Julaihi operates a backhoe loader during the earth-breaking ceremony. On his right is Rubiah.
KUCHING: The higher traffic witnessed along the state’s coastal roads is evidence that the project is a better alternative to the multi-billion-ringgit Pan Borneo Highway project, says Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
“We know very clear the state’s coastal roads are not only being used by the community in the surrounding areas, they are also considered among the best, if not the best, compared to the Pan Borneo Highway project,” he said.
In a press conference after an earth-breaking ceremony of a pavement rehabilitation project for the areas of Kota Samarahan and Sadong Jaya yesterday, Julaihi said in light of the higher traffic volume, the Sarawak government has decided that some stretches of coastal roads need to undergo rehabilitation and upgrading works in the interest of road users’ safety.
The sections identified for rehabilitation and upgrading works cover about 331km of the entire 896km coastal road network, he added.
“This (rehabilitation and upgrading works) is part of the state government’s efforts to ensure better rural connectivity along the coastal roads, and we want the quality of the existing roads to be improved.”
The coastal roads rehabilitation and upgrading project is divided into 23 packages, with the recently awarded package, PA-1, costing RM11.88 million. The 18-month package is expected to be completed by Aug 31, 2021.
The PA-1 upgrading and rehabilitation project involves roads along Kota Samarahan and Sadong Jaya.
The assistant minister also pointed out that Bumiputera contractors are being prioritised for this upgrading and rehabilitation works.
As for streetlights along the stretch of roads under PA-1, he said it will be handled by the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), while Kota Samarahan Municipal Council will assist in relocating stalls operating along the project’s stretch to safer and more hygienic locations.
Among those present at the ceremony was Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang.