Three RTP projects in Bario reach completion, boosting roads, basic infrastructure

MIRI (March 28): Three Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects costing more than RM1 million have been successfully completed in the Bario area, bringing significant improvements to road connectivity and basic infrastructure for residents in this interior part of Sarawak.

Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said that the largest project involved the upgrading of the gravel road linking Pa Remapuh A and Bario Asal, carried out under the Public Works Department (JKR).

“Costing RM740,000, the project was completed on Feb 28 this year, according to schedule.

“It is expected to improve safety, comfort and mobility for road users,” said the Mulu assemblyman when met after visiting the project sites in Bario today.

He said that another completed RTP project was the works on three culverts at Kampung Padang Pasir, with a total cost of RM80,000.

“This project was carried out through a ‘gotong-royong’ (work party) approach, reflecting strong cooperation and community spirit among local residents.”

Also completed was the upgrading works on the access road to Taska Kemas Padang Pasir, which reached completion last Nov 26, and had cost RM200,000.

“The improved road provides safer and easier access for the preschool children, their parents and the educators using the facility,” said Gerawat.

The state deputy minister also visited another RTP-funded road upgrading project at Kampung Baru, costing RM900,000, which he acknowledged as being slightly behind schedule.

“I hope that the contractor will speed up the works for the benefit of villagers,” he added.

Meanwhile, on the upgrading of the road linking the Bario Short Take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) and Bario Memorial Park under the Miri City Council (MCC), Gerawat said that the progress had been encouraging, with the project nearing completion ahead of its original schedule.

“The completed projects reflect ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure development in the Mulu area, with continuous monitoring to ensure government allocations are fully utilised for the benefit of the people, particularly in rural and remote communities,” he said.