KUCHING: Rural connectivity in Tarat has reached a significant milestone, with all villages now accessible by road under the Sarawak government’s Projek Rakyat initiative.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said the transformation has connected even the most remote settlements, including Kampung Sememban and Kampung Tanah Putih near Gedong.
“Previously, Kampung Tanah Putih was only accessible by river, but today it is linked by a tar-sealed road,” he said, highlighting the Sarawak government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure.
Sagah, who is also Tarat assemblyman, noted that the improved road network now ensures seamless access to all villages in the constituency, including those bordering Gedong.
He added that connectivity will be further enhanced upon the completion of the Serian-Gedong-Samarahan Dual Carriageway Highway (Package 1A and 1B), which is expected within the next three years.
“Soon, these villages will be accessible via both Serian and Samarahan, and even through the expressway, especially with Gedong being the constituency of the Premier,” he said.
Sagah described the development as a game changer, noting that parts of the highway project begin within his constituency, bringing direct benefits to local communities.
Implemented under the Projek Rakyat initiative, the infrastructure upgrades reflect the Sarawak government’s commitment to accelerating development in rural areas.
The initiative focuses on fast-tracking high-impact projects to improve the quality of life for the people, particularly in underserved regions.
The RM1.9 billion Serian-Gedong-Samarahan Dual Carriageway Highway is poised to become a key catalyst for socio-economic growth.
Among its major components is a bridge linking Kampung Sememban in Serian to Kampung Gumpey in Gedong, which will significantly ease movement between the two areas.
Sagah said the project would benefit villagers in their daily routines, including commuting to work, attending school, accessing healthcare services, and transporting agricultural produce.
He added that the highway would also shorten travel time from Serian to Kuching and serve as an alternative route to the Pan Borneo Highway from Lawas to Kuching via Serian.
“Package 1A covers the 9.72-kilometre stretch from Rayang to the Munggu Kupi-Tanah Puteh intersection, while Package 1B spans 8.543 kilometres from Tanah Puteh to the Gedong Isthmus intersection in the Serian sector,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Sagah said the new road network will integrate with the planned Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system, further enhancing connectivity from Gedong to Serian and beyond.
“With these developments, accessibility to rural areas will not only improve but surpass previous levels, opening up greater opportunities for economic and social progress,” he added.
