Works minister: RM231 mln set aside for road upgrading works at Durin–Salim stretch

Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Apr 10: The federal government has allocated RM231 million this year for pavement structure upgrading works and related improvements along the Long Stretch (Durin–Salim) section in Sibu.

In a statement, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he has token note of an issue brought up by the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dudong branch regarding the condition of the road at KM28 of the Pan Borneo Highway near Sibu Jaya, particularly along the Long Stretch (Durin–Salim) section, which has been reported to be uneven and potentially affecting the safety of road users.

He said he had visited the location with the Pan Borneo Sarawak team and officers from the Ministry of Works to observe the actual conditions along the stretch.

“The visit was important to allow a direct assessment to be carried out, particularly regarding the level of unevenness of the road surface and the need for more comprehensive follow-up action.

“In this regard, I would like to inform that the government, through the Ministry of Works, has identified the stretch for a comprehensive upgrading exercise.

“For this purpose, a total of RM231 million has been allocated this year for works involving pavement structure upgrading and related improvements along the Long Stretch (Durin–Salim) section,” he said.

Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, said that currently, the ministry and implementing agencies have finished the technical assessment and implementation coordination process before physical works commence.

He explained that this approach is important to ensure that the solution implemented is comprehensive, sustainable, and capable of effectively addressing the issue of ground settlement and road unevenness.

“In the meantime, interim maintenance works will continue to be carried out from time to time to ensure that road safety and accessibility are maintained until the comprehensive upgrading project begins.

“My team and I at the ministry remain committed to expediting the implementation of this initiative and will continue to closely monitor progress to ensure that the safety and comfort of road users remain a priority,” he said. — DayakDaily