KUCHING: The Sarawak government has approved two road upgrading packages in Ulu Layar totaling RM45 million.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said these projects include the upgrading of Jalan Mara, Selangking, Nanga Sela, and Tanjung Paoh costing RM26 million, alongside upgrading Jalan Penyulok, Nanga Penebak, and Ulu Penebak costing RM19 million.
“The design stage has been completed. These projects are now in the procurement process by the Public Works Department (JKR) through open tender methods.
“The primary objective of these projects is to elevate village roads to JKR Grade R1 standards, making them more comfortable and safer to use,” he said.
He said this during a visit to inspect the two road segments at Ulu Layar here yesterday.
Uggah who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, said new road segments will be built, bypassing existing village roads.
This, he said, was to enhance the productivity of pepper production by shortening the journey to Betong town.
“With the completion of these new road constructions, it facilitates pepper planting activities and promote economic diversification into cash crops, fruits, and livestock,” he said.
Uggah said the new road segments will be a boon for the tourism potential of the area, particularly in developing Bukit Sadok as a tourist hub where a replica of Panglima Rentap Fort and other tourism facilities will be built.
During the visit, Uggah distributed sets of rice threshing machines and rice grinding machines to four longhouses in Ulu Layar, namely Rumah Kelimbang, Rumah Radin Wilson, Rumah Joseph Sanda, and Rumah Edward Empati.
Also present were Uggah’s wife Datuk Doreen Mayang, Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, and Betong District Council Secretary Lister Clement Guwie.
