THE completion of critical infrastructure projects is essential for the economic growth and well-being of rural communities across Sarawak.
Lidam Assan (GPS-Katibas) said his constituency has long been advocating for the improvement of infrastructure, particularly rural road connectivity,” he said.
“To date, I have submitted several development proposals for budget inclusion and implementation by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, including a proposal for a 156km stretch of road to be included in the Sarawak Rural Road Connectivity project.”
He said this during his debate in support of the Supply Bill 2025 here on Wednesday.
Lidam said the ongoing efforts and progress in the region, including the construction of 7km of road at Sg Bangkit and 6.5km at Tekalit, both part of the Project Rakyat and currently in the pre-contract phase.
“Additionally, a 38.5km road project is included under the Rolling Plan 5 of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD).
“We appreciate that MIPD has already facilitated 52km of the 156km road proposal, representing 33 per cent of the total request,” he said.
“However, I urge the Ministry to continue working towards the inclusion of the remaining 104km to ensure that Katibas does not fall behind in development alongside the rest of Sarawak.
“If Katibas is not developed, Sarawak will not be developed. ‘Enti Katibas Enda Mansang, Sarawak Enda Meh Mansang,” he added.
He also acknowledged the significant contributions from the federal government through Minister for Works and Member of Parliament for Kapit Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
“The ongoing construction of a 16.5km stretch from Kabah to Rh Bukit (worth RM145 million) and a 42km stretch from Rh Bukit to Ng Belawai (worth RM598 million) will be pivotal in driving land development along the northern bank of the Rejang River.
“This infrastructure is crucial for economic development in the Kapit Division, and we are grateful for the collaboration between the federal and Sarawak governments under the Madani framework,” he said.
“Therefore, we hope that Sarawak government continues to work hand-in-hand with the federal government for the mutual benefit of all parties,” he said.
