Uggah (third left) cuts the ribbon to launch the upgrading works, as (from left) Anyi, Ismawi, Dennis, Juan and Charles look on.
MIRI (May 3): The Sarawak government has launched upgrading works for the 35km Long Aya-Long Sobeng road, marking a key milestone in improving rural connectivity in the upper Tinjar area.
The project was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Thursday.
In a statement, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) said the project aims to enhance accessibility and mobility while driving socio-economic development for remote interior communities.
“It involves upgrading the existing road to Public Works Department (JKR) R1 standards, including the construction of four bridges, as well as geotechnical and slope stabilisation works, drainage systems and road furniture.
“Given the challenging hilly terrain and complex soil conditions, appropriate engineering solutions will be adopted to ensure long-term durability and safety for road users,” it said.
Upon completion, the project is expected to benefit about 2,714 residents from longhouses along the route, including Long Aya, Long Sobeng, Long Dunin, Long Pejawai, Long Aton, Long Nuah and Long Puah.
Recoda added that the upgraded road will improve access to education and healthcare, and facilitate the transport of agricultural produce to markets in Long Lapok and Long Lama.
In the longer term, the road will form part of a broader network linking Simpang Lapok to Long Puah Tinjar, and extending connectivity across Long Tisam, Tinjar and Long Lama, strengthening land access across interior Baram.
Also present were Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, Recoda chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni, Highland Development Agency (HDA) regional director Juan Ubit, Miri Resident Galong Luang and Beluru District officer Charles Aloysius Lisu.
