KUCHING: The proposed new alternative road to connect Kampung Suba Buan and Kampung Suba Bandar with Bau town represents more than just asphalt and concrete; it signals access, safety, and opportunity.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, believed that, upon completion, the road will bring more than just convenience to everyone, especially the villagers, whose movements were often affected by flood during the monsoon season.
He noted that the project, which was approved last year, is still in design stage.
“An allocation of RM55 million from the state budget had been approved and announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the inauguration of the new building of SK Suba Buan in August last year.
“The proposed road project, which includes a bridge, will also link Kampung Suba Buan and Kampung Suba Bandar,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He said that the construction of this proposed road will follow the Public Works Department (PWD) ‘R3’ standard road specifications.
Henry thanked the Premier for approving the project as there is a pressing need for improved access and infrastructure for Kampung Suba Buan residents, who face recurring flooding during the monsoon season.
He noted the present road to Kampung Suba Buan is a very flood prone area, adding that once there is flooding in Bau, Suba Buan is always cut off.
“So we want to create an alternative road from Wind Cave direct to Kampung Suba Buan. This will include access road to the new school, SK Suba Buan,” he said.
He said by improving connectivity, the road is expected to facilitate delivery of services, including education and utilities, and boost economic activity as goods, produce, and people in Suba Buan, and the public at large, can move more easily to and from Bau town even during the rainy season.
He said for parents in Suba Buan, the upgrade if fully completed means safe, dependable travel for children attending the new SK Suba Buan and possibly other schools in the area.
“We need to construct this alternative road to ensure villagers, students and families can travel safely, day or night, even during monsoon season,” he said.
The impetus for the proposed alternative road project is said to have trace back to the relocation of SK Suba Buan.
The previous school site had been vulnerable to flooding, leading to the construction of the new school building on higher ground to provide a safer, more reliable environment for students and teachers.
However, access to the new school is said to remain problematic via narrow, often flood-affected tracks.
Kampung Suba Buan is a traditional Bidayuh village located 8.5 kilometres southwest of Bau Town and 43.5 kilometres from Kuching City.
It is one the villages located within the Mas Gading parliamentary constituency and Tasik Biru state constituency.
It is said that the village has about 87 houses and a population of about 702 people from about 106 families.
Meanwhile, Jinep reaffirmed that improving road infrastructure across Tasik Biru remains a top priority.
He notes that several village-road projects have already been carried out under state programmes, with paving, widening and structural reinforcement works benefiting multiple kampungs.
He emphasised that building and improving road infrastructure across Tasik Biru were all done with the purpose to uplift lives, ensuring that rural communities are no longer left behind in the state government’s development push.
