BARIO: Efforts to enhance rural connectivity received a boost with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bario-Pa Lungan road project, a key highland initiative.
The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office, who is also Deputy Chairman of the Highland Development Agency (HDA), Datuk Gerawat Gala, during his working visit.
“This project is vital in improving accessibility and mobility for highland communities, ensuring safer travel while supporting economic activities, particularly agriculture, in these remote areas,” he said in a press statement on Friday.
The project involves completing remaining works to upgrade the existing 12.019-kilometre road, built to JKR R1 Modified standards, including gravel, concrete pavement, drainage, and bridge construction.
Once completed, the upgraded road is expected to provide safer and more efficient access for residents, while facilitating transportation of goods and improving connectivity between rural settlements.
Gerawat added that improved infrastructure would help unlock economic opportunities for local communities, particularly those engaged in agriculture and small-scale industries in the highlands.
During the visit, he also inspected several infrastructure projects implemented by the Public Works Department and the Highland Development Agency under the Regional Corridor Development Authority.
“These initiatives reflect the government’s continued focus on narrowing the development gap between urban and rural areas, especially in remote highland regions,” he said.
He further visited the Pa Lungan water supply project, which is nearing completion under Sub-Package 5B covering Bario, Mulu and Telang Usan areas.
The project includes construction of a new water treatment and supply system to serve several settlements, including Pa’ Ramudu, Pa’ Lungan, Pa’ Mada, Pa’ Dalih and Batu Patong.
He said that access to clean and treated water would significantly improve public health, while enhancing overall quality of life for residents in these communities.
“The Sarawak Government remains committed to accelerating infrastructure development in rural areas, ensuring no community is left behind in the state’s development agenda,” he added.
