Photo: Bernama
It doesn’t matter which political camps we are in: CM
SEMATAN: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has called on all Sarawakians to work for the state even if they are from different political camps.
“Party politics must be set aside when it comes to Sarawak and as we see today, we have set aside our political agenda and have come together for the sake and betterment of Sarawak and her people,” he said at the launch of Pan Borneo Highway for the Telok Melano-Sematan alignment here yesterday.
It was a historic show of unity as Johari and Pakatan Harapan’s Works Minister Baru Bian jointly officiated at the launch.
The chief minister said the new road was a catalyst for tourism and socio-economic growth in the area, with increased connectivity to Lundu and Kuching.
He said the opening of the Telok Melano-Sematan alignment offered a great opportunity to develop an ecotourism hub in the area.
The state government was in the midst of taking over the RM100 million Rambungan bridge construction project which would connect Kuching City with the interiors, including Telok Melano, Tajung Datu and Sematan, he said.
“The opening of the alignment through the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway to Lawas will be of great benefit to the people,” he added.
He viewed the Rambungan Bridge, one of the bridges along the alignment, as a necessary investment to give more options to road users and tourists to access the area easily.
Johari explained that in the past, the government found it very difficult to come to the rescue of villagers in Telok Melano and Telok Serabang during the monsoon season because of the rough sea conditions.
“Sometimes we could not get to them to pass on aid like clean water and ration while they were inundated by floods and high tides but now, with the road, we will be able to access these villages faster and easier should the need arise.”
The chief minister added: “The federal government has mentioned that it is hard-pressed for money and as such, the Sarawak government will step in to build four bridges that were approved by the previous administration on our own.”
Johari also said that housing areas, including the Rumah Spektra Permata programme, would be developed in Sematan to support the economic activities that are set to spring up from the development of the hub.
