DEBAK: The RM23.7-million Ulu Rimbas Road Upgrading Project will strengthen connectivity for residents in the area and benefit 13 longhouses upon its completion.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the project is significant for the people of Ulu Rimbas as the existing road had been built for many years and required upgrading.
“The project involves upgrading 20.233 kilometres of road according to the Public Works Department (JKR) R3 standard at a cost of RM23.7 million.
“In addition, the junctions leading to each longhouse in the Ulu Rimbas area will also be upgraded,” he said when officiating at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony at Rumah Panjang Nanga Pek here today.
Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, said funding for the project is provided by the Sarawak Government through the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) as part of its ongoing efforts to improve basic infrastructure and connectivity in rural areas.
He said the project would not only facilitate residents’ movement but also improve access to local economic activities, particularly the development of land owned by residents.
“The road upgrade will also facilitate the movement of Ulu Rimbas residents to hospitals, schools and nearby towns.
“Therefore, I hope the project can be completed within 18 months so that Ulu Rimbas residents can enjoy better facilities as soon as possible,” he said.
In a related development, Uggah also approved the construction of a P-Turn lane at the main junction leading to Ulu Rimbas Road.
He said the facility is expected to reduce travel time and facilitate residents’ movement to and from nearby areas such as Betong, Spaoh and Debak.
Touching on the haze situation in Betong Division, he said the government would also take steps to establish an air quality monitoring station in Betong.
“By establishing a monitoring station here, it will improve the accuracy of the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and enable air quality in the Betong area to be monitored more effectively,” he added.
Meanwhile, Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu urged the technical agencies and construction company involved to ensure that the upgrading works were carried out according to the prescribed specifications and quality standards.
He said the project would have a direct impact on Ulu Rimbas residents by improving access and connectivity, while supporting the growth of local economic activities.
He added that better road infrastructure would also facilitate residents’ travel to important destinations such as schools, hospitals and town centres in a safer, more comfortable and smoother manner.
