Uggah fielding questions by reporters during the Hari Raya open house at BCCK
KUCHING: By 2025, Sarawak will have better road network system as the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is in the midst of implementing the Second Trunk Road/ Coastal Highway project costing a total of RM11 billion.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said even now Sarawakians are enjoying greater mobility than ever before.
“As a matter of fact, many of the Gawai Dayak celebrants are driving their own vehicles home to celebrate the festival in their hometowns.
“The once very popular express boats have now disappeared in its domains like Sibu, Kapit, Sarikei, Bintulu and Marudi,” he said in his Gawai Dayak 2023 message.
Uggah added that the Second Trunk Road/ Coastal Highway project which includes 11 bridges (costing RM4 billion) are all expected to be ready by 2025.
Sarawak, he added, will celebrate its 60th independence anniversary this year.
“In the last 60 years, Sarawak has undergone major transformation and we have witnessed rapid socio-economic development like in communications, health, education, economic and social sectors.
“Our poverty rate has dropped from 47.8 per cent in 1976 to 9 per cent in 2019. We have achieved 97.9 per cent electrification rate and 67.2 per cent water supply rate in rural areas.
“In addition, under the Projek Rakyat, my Ministry (Port and Infrastructure Development) has been entrusted to implement 229 projek rakyat with a total cost of RM9.06 billion comprising of 121 road projects, 50 bridges, 53 buildings, four jetties and the Bebuling STOLport costing RM296 million.
“Of the 229 projek rakyat, 98 (43 per cent) have been completed, 53 are under construction (23 per cent) and 78 (34per cent) are currently at the pre-contract stage.
“Upon their full completion, they will generate economic growth and improve the overall living standard of the people,” Uggah assured.
Meanwhile, on the Sabah/Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) Phase 1, Uggah said its construction has begun.
“The construction of the 398-kilometre-long road is divided into four phases and will connect Miri, Limbang and Lawas.
“As of April 2023, the SSLR Phase 1 construction is on schedule and is expected to be completed by January, 2026,” he said.
On road maintenance, Uggah said that the Public Works Department (PWD) has set up its Rural Road Maintenance Unit to monitor and facilitate the upkeep of rural roads in the state.
“This is a crucial issue especially during the wet season for unsealed roads. The PWD has chosen the Baram area to begin this pilot project,” he added.
Uggah said that Sarawakians have been able to achieve and enjoy rapid development because of two main factors – political stability and racial harmony under the strong and visionary leadership under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Abang Johari is a leader of all races and religions. This is clearly reflected in his policy of inclusivity.
“Social inclusivity is one of the pillars in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. This is to ensure that no one or community will be left out from enjoying the fruits of development.
“This is definitely not mere rhetoric, as cynics and pessimists would like to claim but has been and is being implemented and practised and the benefits felt.”
He cited as an example, Abang Johari’s support to Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR).
“This year UNIFOR has been given a RM100 million allocation as assistance to houses of worship of non-Islamic religions.
“Secondly, the setting up of nine development agencies, covering all regions to benefit all races. Each is allocated RM1.5 billion,” he said.
