Development funds for Tarat prioritise infrastructure projects

KUCHING: A major share of Tarat’s development funds under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) will go to infrastructure.
 
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said some 12 infrastructure projects worth RM161 million would be implemented to improve connectivity across the constituency.
 
He revealed that all villages in Tarat are already accessible via paved or tar-sealed roads, shifting the focus now towards upgrading existing routes and enhancing connectivity.
 
“The only thing I have to do now is doing upgrading works under the GKCDA projects,” he said, noting that improved infrastructure would better support rural mobility and economic activities.
 
Among the 12 projects planned, the largest is a RM90-million link road connecting Padawan Road to Tebedu Road.
 
The Tarat assemblyman confirmed that the project has already gone through the tender process, although its construction start date has yet to be finalised.
 
The remaining 11 projects, costing about RM71 million in total, will involve upgrading and building kampung roads linking villages to the main Padawan Road.
 
“In other words, most of the remaining allocation will go towards improving access from the main road to the villages,” he explained, stressing the importance of seamless connectivity for rural communities.
 
Under the GKCDA initiative, each of the 10 state assemblymen in the Greater Kuching area is allocated RM150 million, contributing to a total Sarawak Government allocation of RM1.5 billion.
 
However, Sagah noted that his allocation exceeds RM150 million due to his role as chairman of the agency.
 
Beyond infrastructure, Sagah said funds have also been set aside for other development areas.
 
A total of RM4 million has been allocated for the social sector, RM15 million for economic initiatives, and RM883,000 for other miscellaneous purposes.
 
Sagah stressed that while infrastructure remains a priority, balanced development is essential to ensure that communities benefit not only from better roads but also from socio-economic opportunities.
 
“With proper infrastructure in place, it will be easier to implement programmes that uplift the people’s livelihoods,” he added.
 
Sagah reiterated that the GKCDA projects are part of the Sarawak Government’s broader strategy to accelerate development in the Greater Kuching region, particularly in semi-rural constituencies like Tarat.
 
Once implemented, these projects are expected to significantly enhance accessibility, improve quality of life, and support long-term economic growth in the area.