A SUM of RM50 million has been approved for remedial work in response to the damage caused by natural disasters and external factors.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this during his winding up speech at the state legislative assembly, Wednesday (May 24).
“Damage to land infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has disrupted the movement of goods and posed risks to the local population.
“Recognising the urgency of the situation, the government has taken swift action to allocate funds for the immediate reinstatement and reconstruction of the affected infrastructure.
“Currently, a total of 20 projects have been approved, with four already completed and six in various stages of construction. The remaining ten projects are in the design stage and are expected to be tendered in the third quarter of this year,” he said.
He also said that the ministry intends to request for additional funds to address the high demand for infrastructure restoration.
In a separate issue, he said the maintenance of rural roads in Sarawak has faced significant challenges due to geographical constraints and the remote locations of settlements.
“The mobilisation of machinery and resources to these areas has been a major hurdle for implementing agencies, causing delays in road maintenance activities.
“To address this issue, the Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to establish a Rural Road Maintenance Unit. This unit will oversee and facilitate the maintenance of rural roads under its jurisdiction, with the Baram area selected as the pilot site for implementation.
“The Rural Road Maintenance Unit aims to expedite the maintenance process by engaging local contractors from the nearby area and utilising locally sourced construction materials as this approach will reduce logistical challenges and enable efficient completion of maintenance works,” he explained.
He added that the current maintenance system for jalan kampung (JKPG), based on an ‘As and When Required Basis,’ will be improved to address concerns raised by the local community, pointing out that the establishment of the unit demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and ensuring the satisfaction of local residents.
The Sarawak government’s allocation of RM50 million for emergency response works and the establishment of the Rural Road Maintenance Unit reflects its dedication to swiftly address infrastructure challenges and improve overall connectivity and safety of the region’s road network, he said.
