New RM99.9 mln road project in Kapit to benefit 11 longhouses, 219 families

Borneo Post

11 hours ago

Uggah (centre) and others give their thumbs-up to the new road project set to boost Kapit rural connectivity.
KAPIT (June 26): The proposed Jalan Nanga Ibau/Ulu Sungai Ibau project, valued at RM99.9 million, is expected to significantly improve rural connectivity and uplift the socio-economic conditions of interior communities, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said the project, involving the construction of approximately 12.5 kilometres of new road and two spur roads, would feature three reinforced steel joist bridges (each 3.7 metres wide), reinforced concrete culverts, drainage systems, geotechnical works, earthworks, and the installation of road furniture.
With a construction period of 36 months, the road will directly benefit 11 longhouses comprising 219 families, and improve access to the Nanga Ibau Health Clinic as well as two rural schools – SK Nanga Ibau and SK Nanga Segenok, he added.
'This road project will bring long-term socio-economic benefits to the local community.
'It is part of ongoing efforts to advance the rural development agenda in a comprehensive manner, aimed at providing convenient connectivity for rural communities,' he said during the earth-breaking ceremony earlier today.
Uggah, who is also State Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, also expressed appreciation to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari for allocating significant funding to accelerate rural infrastructure development.
Under the State Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry, he noted that 40 state-funded projects are currently being implemented in the Kapit Division.
'The total allocation for all these projects is RM1.233 billion. Of this, 19 projects have been fully completed, while five projects worth RM116 million are currently under construction.
'These include road and bridge developments that are much needed by the rural population.
'The remaining 16 projects, worth RM721 million, are expected to be tendered within this year,' he said, affirming the state government's commitment to ensuring development in rural areas like Kapit.
He also urged contractors to commit fully to their work and strictly follow contract terms regarding schedules, specifications, and costs.
'As the project implementing agency, JKR (Public Works Department) Kapit must also ensure this project is handled transparently and efficiently,' he said.
On the use of former logging roads, Uggah said the state government is upgrading inactive routes to serve as vital links for economic and social development in Kapit's interior.
The Kapit Resident Office had requested RM60 million for this purpose, and RM27 million has been approved to begin upgrading works.
An additional RM100 million has been allocated under the 2026 state budget for further road repairs across the region.
'With this approach, it is hoped that the PCDS (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy) 2030 target will be achieved as soon as possible,' he said.
Uggah also called on longhouse communities and landowners to support the contractor to ensure smooth project implementation.
He stressed that once completed, the road will reduce travel distances and enable landowners to develop idle land, unlocking new economic opportunities and improving quality of life in the area. douglas uggah embas economy Kapit new road rural