By DayakDaily Team
KAPIT, June 26: The construction of the 12.5-kilometre Nanga Ibau-Ulu Sungai Ibau road, costing RM99.9 million and scheduled for completion by May 2028, is expected to benefit 11 longhouses and significantly improve access to the Nanga Ibau Health Clinic and two primary schools鈥擲K Nanga Ibau and SK Nanga Segenok.
Minister of Works and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, during a ceremony to mark the commencement of work held today, expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government on behalf of the longhouse residents for initiating the vital infrastructure project.
鈥淭his 12.5-kilometre road, constructed to the modified JKR R1 standard, will serve more than 1,800 residents, enabling land development and improving their quality of life,鈥 he said in a statement shared on his social media.
The project, which will be implemented over 30 months beginning May 5, 2025, also includes the construction of two spur roads, three steel bridges, extensive earthworks, the installation of concrete culverts, drainage systems, and other related road facilities.
Nanta emphasised that the road would greatly enhance connectivity for rural communities, providing them with safer, faster access to essential services and economic opportunities.
He called on the appointed contractor to carry out the project with full commitment and integrity, strictly adhering to the agreed schedule, specifications, and budget.
鈥淭he Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), as the implementing agency, must ensure the project is executed transparently, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards,鈥 he added.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who also serves as the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development.
In a statement posted on social media, JKR Sarawak described the road as a critical step in connecting remote settlements to nearby towns and major roads.
Recognising that the Kapit Division poses significant geographical and logistical challenges for infrastructure development, the department reaffirmed the government鈥檚 commitment to prioritising the region under Sarawak鈥檚 rural road network expansion plans.
鈥淭he implementation of this project will not only improve access to essential amenities such as schools and clinics, but also reduce travel time and transportation costs, ultimately boosting the socio-economic wellbeing of rural residents,鈥 JKR stated. 鈥 DayakDaily