KAPIT: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg gave his assurance that the state government will continue to fulfill the aspirations of the rural populace in Ulu Rajang through the newly formed Ulu Rajang Development Agency (Urda).
According to Abang Johari since the formation of Urda last year, it has received 14 applications relating to development projects involving roads, water and electricity supply.
“If we were to do all these, it will need a huge financial allocation. Hence, for now we have allocated RM1.5 billion for two years.
“If there is any additional allocation, we will continue to implement long term projects including the construction of Bailey bridges to connect Long Busang and other areas,” Abang Johari said during the launch of “Program Merapatkan Jurang Digital Masyarakat Pedalaman” organised by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) at Long Busang, yesterday.
Long Busang which has a population of about 1,000 people is located in Belaga and is accessible by river and a 12-hour drive on logging road from Bintulu and Bakun.
On the request for a road by the residents on Long Busang, Abang Johari said he will discuss with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing and Kapit Resident Joseph Belayong Punan on priority projects in the area, especially those involving villages.
Touching of the digital gap in the area, Abang Johari said it was a pilot project and SMA will erect a telco tower to link Long Busang to the outside world.
“Long Busang has plenty of mountains which affect connectivity (signals cannot be received). For that reason, we are trying a new way.
“We are using satellite and if it proves to be successful, we will continue with it. However, if there are problems, we will try to rectify the problems. This means that all locations in Sarawak can be contacted by telephone,” he said, adding that from the Internet aspect, Sarawak is actually more developed and faster than the peninsula.
At present the residents of Long Busang are accessing the internet via parabola satellite and with a speed of 30mbps.
Meanwhile, a new telco tower is being built to connect Belaga and Kapit.
