Julaihi (centre) showing the report on the progress of rural former logging roads works to Dennis (left) and Mulu assemblyman Dato Gerawat Gala.
KUCHING: Three phases of the Upgrading of Ex-logging Roads in Sarawak projects in Mulu and Telang Usan constituencies totalling RM122.4 million, which were federal funded, have been completed. The scope of work done for the upgrading was to the standard of gravel surface only with a carriageway width of five metres.
Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi also informed the august house that Phase 4 comprising eight projects in Mulu and 12 projects in
Telang Usan costing RM60.09 million was in the final design stage.
“It is ready for tender by the fourth quarter of this year but subject to further directive from the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKLW) which is now under the new Pakatan government,” he said.
“A circular from the Ministry of Finance recently has instructed that all this kind of projects be postponed until further notice. We hope members from Pakatan Harapan, in particular Selangau MP (Baru Bian), will
assist and fight for these projects, otherwise it is impossible to complete these urgent projects,” he added.
Julaihi was responding to Dennis Ngau (Telang Usan) on the progress of the rural former logging roads works at the state assembly yesterday.
He also disclosed that a total of 44 longhouses including 23 from Telang Usan had benefitted from the upgrading of these former logging roads.
“As for the next areas to receive the project, there is none unless other funds are approved by the Pakatan federal government. We hope they will work out and assist the rural areas in Sarawak including
Mulu and Telang Usan,” he elaborated.
Julaihi said the Task Force Committee headed by Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation (MIDT) comprising representatives from the Chief Minister’s Department, State Attorney General’s Office, Land and Survey Department, Public Works Department and Forestry Department had been entrusted to identify and prioritise abandoned former logging roads for gazettment as state roads in line with the State Roads Ordinance, 1994.
“This is for the purpose of registering the road under Marris (Malaysia Road Record Information System) to become eligible for maintenance allocation as an immediate term measure,” he said.
“For long-term measure, rehabilitation or upgrading works will be studied or reviewed for future implementation,” he added.