Sadong Jaya sees major developments

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Photo shows the fishermen stalls built along the roadside at Sadong Jaya.

Photo shows the fishermen stalls built along the roadside at Sadong Jaya.

OVER the last five years, Sadong Jaya has seen several major projects completed, while more are ongoing.

Sadong Jaya District Officer Habari Bakar said two major projects would be the Batang Sadong Bridge, which connects Sadong Jaya to Simunjan and Sebuyau, and the ongoing clean water supply project.

“These two projects are the biggest projects for Sadong and upon completion, will change the lives of residents here for

the better and we are expecting better opportunities here,” he said.

He pointed out that the RM211 million bridge project would make travel easier for residents on both sides of the river,

who previously had to depend on the time-consuming ferry service.

Spanning 1.48km, the longest bridge in Sarawak is expected to be completed this year and will be a source of pride for Sadong Jaya folk.

Another project in the works is the RM200,000 upgrade for the Sadong Jaya District Office.

“We are looking to serve the locals better and with better facilities, we are also hoping that residents will not need to travel to as far as Samarahan and Kuching should they need services from government agencies,” said Habari.

Meanwhile, Pemanca Awang Azid Awang Yusuf said the water supply project, which is currently in the works, is expected to end the problem of low water pressure.

“We are currently being supplied with blue water tanks as they help especially during droughts and low water pressure. However we are hoping that the government will solve the low water pressure problem,” he said.

Awang Azid also looks forward to the completion of the new bridge, which he said would be a catalyst for Sadong Jaya, bringing more visitors to the area as well as motorists travelling to and from Kuching to other coastal towns in the central region.

“The construction of stalls along the road provides opportunities to the locals to sell just about anything such as fruits, vegetables and local snacks, and it is actually another attraction for those who pass by Sadong Jaya,” he said.

“There should also be some sort of major festival for Sadong Jaya in order to popularise this place to outsiders. As a rural town on the coastline of Sarawak, more needs to be done to promote this place in terms of tourists.”

He proposed that a run across the new Batang Sadong bridge be made a signature sporting event for the district to draw in more visitors.

“The event can also be held at the same time with the annual Pesta Sadong,” he added.

Awang Azid said Sadong Jaya should also have a mini stadium for sporting events, carnivals and gatherings.

For Kampung Semera Hilir community leader Lachak Sobeng, the last five years have definitely seen better connectivity with the construction of tar-sealed roads.

“We enjoy smoother trips to other places. Apart from that, the roads linking villages throughout Sadong Jaya are much better connected saving us time on travel,” he said.

Lachak requested a fire station to be built in Sadong Jaya as at present the nearest one is 75km away.

“The distance of 75km from the nearest fire station might lead to disaster if fires occur as it might take some time for the firefighters to reach Sadong Jaya,” he said.