JULAU: A total of 79 landowners affected by the Nanga Lasi Road upgrading project will receive compensation amounting to RM2.9 million.
Meluan assemblyman Datuk Rolland Duat Jubin said the compensation reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development is carried out fairly without neglecting the land ownership rights of the people.
He said the road upgrading project is the second phase of road infrastructure development in the Lasi area and is expected to bring significant benefits to local residents.
He also said the project involves the construction of a Category R3 road with a width of 30m and a total length of 8.5km.
“This compensation shows that the state government does not take the people’s land arbitrarily, but instead strives to balance development with land ownership rights through legitimate and fair compensation.”
Rolland told reporters after officiating the presentation of Appointment Certificates to Community Leaders and Village Heads (KMKK) for the Julau District here on Tuesday (Feb 3).
He also explained that the project includes the construction of five bridges along the road alignment.
He said the paved road will ease daily movement for residents while improving access to economic centres, educational institutions and basic services in the area.
“Significant changes can now be seen in Nanga Lasi, which was once regarded as a remote area. Today, the area can be categorised as rural following the increasingly improved and accessible road network.”
He added that a new bridge connecting nine longhouses, a clinic and a school has also been built after more than 60 years of anticipation by local residents.
The bridge was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in September last year.
In a related development, Rolland said the Sarawak government has also approved a road construction project linking the Ulu Lijan area.
He said the project is expected to be tendered this year with a total cost of RM85 million.
