KUCHING: The upgrading of kampung roads across the Tasik Biru constituency in Bau will continue to be implemented in the years to come.
Tasik Biru assemblyman and Deputy Minister of Transport (River & Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, said improving village road infrastructure remains a top priority.
This is because many rural communities still rely on narrow or ageing routes that hinder smooth and convenient transportation and daily movement.
He explained that multiple kampung roads across Tasik Biru had been widened, resurfaced and structurally reinforced.
He said these kampung roads are lifelines for the rural communities and that he wants to ensure residents can travel safely, especially during emergencies, and that their children can reach school without difficulty.
“I have been doing this in much of my constituency. Those roads that are too narrow, we widen them, especially in areas area where activities in the villages are often held.
“The road upgrading project is an ongoing thing,” he said after officiating at the River Cleanliness and Safety Awareness programme closing ceremony at Adis Tiporang in Kampung Segong, Singai, today.
Jinep noted that the upgrade of kampung roads normally involve widening narrow stretches, repairing potholes, constructing proper drainage systems, putting culverts and paving some sections that have remained gravel or earth tracks.
Earlier in his speech, he highlighted that improved kampung roads will also benefit small-scale farmers and local entrepreneurs, adding that with better road conditions, farmers will be able to transport their produce more efficiently to markets in Bau and Kuching while visitors would be able to come to the local homestay and resorts operating in the area.
Before the function, Jinep witnessed the handing over of the recently completed upgrading project on Jalan Kampung Atas from the state Public Works Department (JKR) to the villagers.
Implemented under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) programme for Tasik Biru, the project cost about RM900,000.
Jinep said the upgrading works on this road included widening it from a single lane to double lane, tar-sealing and putting culverts at certain areas.
“I am happy and also the villagers are happy the road was completed in about three months. The road is about three kilometres from the Pan-Borneo Highway to Kampung Atas.
“The road was fully completed about two months ago and people have been using it,” he said.
Jinep also visited the newly completed Kampung Atas Community Hall upgrading project, which he implemented with his Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation.
He said the cost for the upgrading was about RM100,000.
