BAU: The Sarawak government has agreed for the old Bau-Kuching road to be upgraded to a dual carriageway at a cost of more than RM100 million in order to further enhance connectivity from Kuching to Bau and the surrounding areas.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that when he was the Tourism Minister then, he had studied the Bau area because of its tourism potential and rich culture, and saw the need to provide good roads.
“The latest connection to Kuching is the Pan Borneo Highway, while the old road from Kuching to Bau, which passes through Siniawan is the artery to Bau.
“Therefore, looking at Bau, there must be good access. And we will upgrade the road to dual carriageway like Pan Borneo Highway from the junction in Kuching to Bau,” he said when attending the Bau Gawai Open House 2022 at Dewan Suarah here today.
He added that the need to improve the infrastructure was in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and providing better access to the people.
“The cost of this project is RM98 million, nearly RM100 million, including (other infrastructures), I think it is about RM200 million.
“Therefore, we will carry out this development and this means that Bau is connected to Lundu and Sematan by a highway,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, said that road project would consist of two phases, with the first phase from Simpang Sibuluh to Bau, and the second phase would be from Batu Kitang to Bau.
“The tender for the first phase of the project is expected to be out in August,” he said.
He added the second phase of the road project would incur more cost as the length of the road is longer and requires relocation of utilities.
Asked on the impact of the road project, Henry said that he did not want to see Bau to be isolated.
“We do not want to be left behind and we want the road network in Bau to be improved.
“This is why we need a dual carriageway so that it is able to cater to more road users,” said Henry.
