KUCHING: The proposed upgrading of Old Bau Road, particularly covering the stretch between Mile 7 and Batu Kitang Bridge, is unlikely to begin soon.
Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, said this was because works along the stretch from Bau Town to Batu Kitang have yet to begin.
He said the delay in initiating works along the Bau Town to Batu Kitang stretch will inevitably affect the timeline for the Batu Kitang to Mile 7 stretch.
“The implementation of the latter will depend on the implementation progress along the former, which has not started yet,” he reiterated.
“As such, it is unlikely that work along the latter, which is considered the later stage, will take off anytime soon.”
Lo noted that the Sarawak Government has allocated about RM500 million for the upgrading of the Old Bau Road Phase 2, from Bau Town to Mile 7, into a four-lane dual carriageway.
He explained that the project is aimed at addressing long-standing traffic congestion along the busy route, which serves as a key link between Bau and Kuching, particularly for daily commuters and commercial vehicles.
The project forms part of the Sarawak Government’s ongoing efforts to modernise its road network, in line with increasing traffic demand and rapid development in areas such as Batu Kitang, Mile 7 and surrounding suburbs.
According to Lo, the existing Old Bau Road is no longer adequate to handle current traffic volumes, especially during peak hours, leading to frequent congestion and safety concerns.
“Upgrading the road to a four-lane carriageway will significantly improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and enhance safety for all road users,” he said.
However, he stressed that priority must first be given to ensuring that the first phase (Bau Town to Batu Kitang) is implemented smoothly before moving on to another phase.
Lo said the stretch along Jalan Stephen Yong, from Kampung Bumbok to Jalan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wee Boon Ping, will also be upgraded into a four-lane dual carriage way.
He noted that most sections of Jalan Stephen Yong have already been upgraded to four lanes, except for the remaining two-lane stretch located between Bumbok and Jalan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wee Boon Ping junction.
Lo said although the Old Bau Road Phase 2 project has not taken off, the Sarawak Government remains committed to the project and will push for its implementation in stages.
“The allocation is already there, and we are confident the project will proceed, but it will take time,” he concluded.
