More than RM80 million to build new roads

TANJUNG MANIS, Sept. 19: Sarawak Government allocates more than RM80 million for construction of new 5.8-kilometre highway connecting nine long houses in Mupong with Gelam Bay settlement.

Deputy Minister in Sarawak's Prime Minister's Department (Corporate Affairs, Statements and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the project was announced by the Public Works Department (JKR) and also includes three branch roads as well as two new bridges.

"This project will be of great benefit to the people, especially in the Black Bay area which still depends on rivers as a means of transport.

"This road will connect Mupong, Sibu and Tanis Island, thus facilitating the movement of residents", he said as it was found after a work visit to the RGC New Fishing Settlement, Bruit Island and the Mupong Long House Settlement, today.

Abdullah said that the people of Mupong also expressed concerns regarding land issues, especially the possibility of outsiders taking advantage of their land including the Bumiputera Customs Rights (NCR) status area.

"Residents must always ensure that their land rights and interests are protected and not easily handed over or transferred to another party", he said.

He said the issue of water supply is also among the priorities of Mupong residents as the water supply project has not yet reached the area.

"The matter will be worked on to speed it up", he said.

In the related development, Abdullah who is also a Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Semop said that the residents of RGC Bruit Island fishing settlement also raised some basic requirements, including the immediate establishment of a temporary Committee for Rural Development and Safety.

He said the population also needed a new way to schools and a more organised waste management and disposal system.

He said the fishermen's settlements also have potential to develop as a community conceiving fruit gardens following the activities of people cultivating crops such as potatoes and vegetables around the residences.

"This potential can be developed by making the RGC Bruit Island fishing settlement a residential area within a garden or fruit orchard-conceived community, thus adding value to the area", he said.