TINJAR: The RM133.4-million road upgrading project from Long Aya to Long Sobeng is expected to be completed within 30 months.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the road will open up opportunities for development and economic growth for villagers along the route, while also increasing their income.
“The project alignment covers the stretch from Long Aya to Long Sobeng in Tinjar, with an estimated length of about 35 kilometres, which will be upgraded to the PWD R1 road standard,” he said.
He was speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the proposed upgrading of the existing road from Simpang Lapok to Long Puoh here today as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
In addition to the road upgrade, the project also involves the construction of four steel composite bridges – Sungai Aya Bridge (40 metres), Sungai Sepidik Bridge (54 metres), and two bridges across Sungai Sobeng, each measuring 30 metres.
Upon completion, the project is expected to directly benefit about 2,714 residents living in longhouses along the project alignment, including those in Long Aya, Long Sobeng, Long Dunin, Long Pejawai, Long Aton, Long Nuah and Long Puah.
Uggah said the project will further strengthen connectivity within the Telang Usan area by improving access to basic services such as education and healthcare.
“It will also facilitate the transportation of local goods and agricultural produce to nearby markets such as Long Lapok and Long Lama,” he said.
The project is one of the initiatives under the Highland Development Agency (HDA), overseen by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA).
Also present were Baram Member of Parliament, Datuk Anyie Ngau; Telang Usan assemblyman, Datuk Dennis Ngau; Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ismawi Ismuni; and political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Dominic Nyurang Ajang.
