SIMUNJAN: The RM6.722-million upgrading project for Sungai Lingkau Bridge No. 5 in Kampung Sungai Lingkau Hilir is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026.
Simunjan assemblyman, Awla Dris, announced the project during the ‘Ngiling Bidai Gawai Dayak 2026‘ celebration held at the village here on Saturday night (June 20).
The high-impact project, to be implemented by the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD), involves replacing the existing 36-metre wooden bridge with a reinforced concrete structure measuring 10 metres in width.
According to Awla, the project is crucial in enhancing road safety, improving accessibility and supporting local economic development.
“The implementation of this project is vital to ensure the safety and comfort of residents, while facilitating daily movement and boosting local economic activities,” he said.
In addition to the bridge project, Awla announced the approval of a road upgrading project for a lane in Kampung Sungai Lingkau Hilir, with an allocation of RM100,000 under the 2026 Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
He said a site visit and surveying works had been conducted on May 8, 2026, and the project is currently in the process of preparing the Bill of Quantities (BQ) before moving into the implementation stage.
The road upgrading project will be carried out by the Simunjan District Council and is expected to be tendered under Series 4 or Series 5 of 2026 before physical works begin.
During the event, Awla also officiated the completion of a new storage facility constructed under the 2024 ADUN Rural Transformation Programme allocation.
The RM80,000 project is expected to benefit the local community by providing a dedicated space for storing equipment and other community necessities.
As part of the ceremony, he performed a ribbon-cutting to officially open the facility.
The ‘Ngiling Bidai‘ celebration was further enlivened by the traditional ngetas ranyai ceremony, one of the highlights of the Gawai Dayak festivities that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak community.
Awla also presented food baskets to seven senior citizens aged 80 and above as a gesture of appreciation and care for the elderly.
He said the implementation of various development projects and welfare programmes reflected the government’s continued commitment to improving the quality of life of rural communities.
