BARAM: Barisan Nasional (BN) has several plans underway for Baram as it looks forward to transform the constituency should it be given the mandate again tomorrow.
In saying this, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Seri Michael Manyin added part of the development programme BN would like to carry out in Baram is to build and upgrade existing roads so that the people in the rural areas will have easy access to nearby towns and cities.
“Most longhouses in rural areas such as in Baram, Lubok Antu and Julau are not yet accessible by roads.
“Hence, I have instructed The Public Works Department (PWD) to concentrate on these areas so that those living in rural areas can enjoy what other areas already had,” he said when launching the groundbreaking ceremony of the Temala’ Bailey Bridge near Apoh Tutoh here yesterday.
He said other projects which are ongoing at the moment are the Long Banga -Bario roads and the Beluru -Long Lama road.
“The Long Banga-Bario road which is a 142km stretch costing about RM64 million is now 90 per cent completed, while the Beluru-Long Lama Road costing about RM 230 million is expected to be completed within one year.
Manyin said, the construction of new roads will take more time, hence, his ministry and PWD has used other alternative which is upgrading the ex-logging and abandoned roads.
Meanwhile, on the Temala Bailey Bridge, he said, the project was also part of BN’s effort though his ministry to realise the dream of thousands of people who uses the bridge every day.
“Baram is a very huge constituency. We need time to bring in development here,” he said.
In addition, he said, his ministry and PWD are looking forward to take over the ferries in Long Lama which are now under a private company.
“We hope after PWD takes over, the fares will be reduced,” he said.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Senator Lihan Jok and BN Baram candidate Anyi Ngau were among those present.
In the afternoon, the group left for Long Atip to launch the Long Atip Bailey Bridge. #myvote13 #ge13