Transportation access and infrastructure in Julau District are set for a major transformation after an allocation estimated at RM322 million was approved by the Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak to upgrade three roads.
Premier Abang Johari Approves Major Road Upgrades
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg said that with Sarawak’s increasing revenue, it was now time to share the benefits with the people in the form of better and more advanced infrastructure.
“Firstly, we want to upgrade the earth road from Jalan Nanga Lasi, Balut to Suchong with an estimated allocation of RM92 million. Secondly, we will construct a road at Jalan Ligan, because the area has a large population. So today we also approve it with an allocation of around RM80 million. And thirdly, Jalan Entaih, Rumah Sang Lasa, Kemalih and other smaller roads, with an estimated allocation of RM150 million,” he said in his speech during the Opening Ceremony of the Nanga Lasi Bridge in Julau on Saturday.
In addition, he supported the proposal for a new road from Julau to Jalan Ulu Layar, Betong, measuring 5.9 kilometres. He said that with the construction of new roads and bridges, travel time from Meluan to Kuching was expected to be shortened from the current five hours to just two hours and 30 minutes by 2030.
“When new roads and bridges are built, this will open up access, especially to remote areas. It will enable residents to sell their products and export them out of their respective districts, thereby increasing their income,” he explained.
At the event, the Premier of Sarawak officiated the opening of the Nanga Lasi Bridge, which spans the Julau River and replaces the suspension bridge that residents had long used to cross the river, especially to send their children to Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Lasi. The bridge, built at a cost of RM4.7 million, is also equipped with a solar lighting system and is expected to benefit more than 2,000 local residents.
