KUCHING: The condition of the road leading to Long Lellang in the interior of Mulu has reportedly deteriorated further following serious damage to several culverts, leaving the local community cut off for several days.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala said two culverts near Kampung Long Lellang had suffered severe structural damage, while another is unstable and at risk of collapsing at any time.
“This situation has disrupted movement and daily needs of residents, and has temporarily cut off access to the area,” he said in a Facebook posting.
He added that the situation has also affected Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Long Lellang, which is now facing a shortage of food supplies for its boarding students.
He said delays in the delivery of supplies could disrupt teaching and learning, as the majority of students at the school are boarders who rely on the school for their daily needs.
In response, Gerawat said he has brought the matter to the attention of the Miri Division Resident and the Miri Division engineer from the Public Works Department (JKR) for immediate action.
“I have requested that emergency funding be sourced from the Disaster Management Fund under the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to enable urgent repair works to be carried out,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the proposed upgrading of the road to Long Lellang under the Highland Development Agency (HDA) is currently at the tender stage and is expected to be awarded to a contractor soon.
“Construction is expected to begin in early June this year, but immediate repair works are crucial to ensure access to Long Lellang can be restored without delay,” he said.
He added that restoring the route is important to ensure the supply of basic necessities can reach residents, as well as the school and clinic in the area.
