KANOWIT: The RM170 million Menalun-Sungai Poi Road Construction Project is targeted for full completion by 2030, with its ongoing third phase set to bring road access to three longhouses currently dependent on water transport.
National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said the project would not only improve connectivity for rural communities but also create opportunities for economic activities and employment.
“When we have roads and other infrastructure such as electricity and water supply, many activities can be carried out, including creating employment opportunities and supporting economic activities,” he said when met by reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 3 of the project here recently.
Aaron said the RM39.96 million Phase 3, implemented by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), involved the construction of a 3.6-kilometre paved road to JKR R1 specifications.
“This project will connect the Phase 2 road network directly to three longhouses, namely Rumah Keleman, Rumah Nyaru and Rumah Jelani,” he said.
The project is being implemented over 24 months, from Nov 17, 2025 to Nov 15, 2027, with completion targeted for November 2027.
Upon completion, the phase will benefit 446 residents from 57 households by improving access to schools, rural clinics, Kanowit town and Sibu.
Aaron said Phases 1 and 2 had been completed, while the continued development of the road network demonstrated the Government’s commitment to providing basic infrastructure and improving the quality of life in rural communities.
“Therefore, we thank the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) for its efforts to fulfil all infrastructure applications in rural areas, not only in Kanowit but throughout Sarawak and the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the overall project is being implemented in four phases, with Phase 3 currently underway and Phase 4 still at the design stage.
She said Phase 3 had an allocation of RM46.11 million and a contract value of RM39.96 million, while Phase 4 was allocated RM58.4 million for the construction of a 2.6-kilometre road and two bridges.
“Phase 4 covers 2.6 kilometres, includes two bridges and follows the JKR R1 road standard. It will connect directly to the school and the two longhouses, namely Rumah Panjang Gani and Tarang,” she said.
Rubiah said Phase 1 involved the construction of a 10-kilometre road and three bridges at a cost of RM50 million, while Phase 2 involved a one-kilometre road and a bridge costing RM15.8 million.
She added that the target to complete the entire project by 2030 would depend on the implementation capacity for the remaining phases.
