KAPIT: A RM250,000 iron bridge linking a 30-door longhouse community to SK Ulu Yong is expected to improve school access and safety while opening up better opportunities for rural development.
Completed in 2025 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), the bridge connects Rh Untang Jirau at Nanga Sekara, Ulu Sungai Yong, directly to the school, providing a more reliable crossing for pupils, teachers, parents and other residents.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat said the facility would bring lasting benefits to the community, particularly schoolchildren who depend on safe and convenient access to education.
He said the bridge was more than just an infrastructure project, as it addressed the community’s accessibility needs while improving connectivity and daily mobility.
Besides making journeys to and from school safer and more convenient, the bridge would also ease residents’ movement and facilitate access to essential services.
It is also expected to support the community’s socioeconomic activities by making it easier to transport agricultural produce, goods and other necessities.
Jamit said the provision of basic infrastructure remained important in ensuring rural communities, particularly those in remote areas, were not left behind in Sarawak’s development.
He stressed that such facilities played a vital role in overcoming geographical barriers, improving access to education and creating better opportunities for rural residents.
He made these remarks during a recent visit to inspect the completed bridge, where he also highlighted the importance of proper maintenance to ensure its safety, functionality and long-term benefits to the community.
He said continued attention to rural infrastructure was essential to improving people’s quality of life and supporting more balanced development across the state.
The visit was also attended by political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai and Pemanca Pasang Tuba.
