SIBU: The GPS government has achieved significant infrastructure and economic development in its Central Zone in just six years, with road connectivity, electricity and water supply extended to rural communities.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said the transformation was evident in areas stretching from Kanowit, Song, Igan and Mukah to Kapit, as well as the Rajang Delta.
Abang Johari said infrastructure development was also being extended from Sarikei to Pulau Bruit, Kuala Rajang and Belawai.
Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Central Zone Special Convention here today, he said the state government had worked to connect rural communities through road networks while providing essential amenities to support their socio-economic development.
“Just six years. Not 60 years. We have built roads and provided various services to our rural communities, especially in the Central Zone, Who would have thought that we could build Jambatan Batang Lupar 1, the longest bridge crossing a river? But we did it,” he said.
Abang Johari said the scale of development achieved within six years was something that could hardly have been imagined previously, particularly in connecting riverine and inland areas through an extensive road network.
He said the development was intended for everyone in the Central Zone regardless of their political affiliation.
“We can already see the development that has been implemented, and the impact can be enjoyed by the community in the area, whether they are from PBB or not, whether they are government supporters or not,” he said.
The Premier said PBB as the backbone of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government would continue seeking allocations and funding to develop areas across the state.
He said infrastructure development had also improved connectivity between Sibu and Kapit, with the latter now experiencing increased traffic as a result of its growing development.
“Who would have thought that Kapit would experience traffic congestion? Even Kapit is now experiencing traffic congestion,” he said.
Abang Johari said new routes were being developed, including those involving the Asap area, while plans were also underway to develop a bridge crossing the Rajang River, which Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi is actively looking into.
He said the development of Kapit would be carried out using a sustainable approach, with community leaders and government officials sent to Norway to study how the development of Kapit town could be implemented differently from conventional urban development.
“This means that the entire Central Zone has a structured development plan,” he said.
He said the development of bridges had also reduced the need for communities to depend on ferry services as in the past.
“With the development of infrastructure, we no longer need to rely on ferry services like before. Good-bye ferries,” he said.
