RM3.9 bln needed to build R3 roads, bridges linking Long Bedian to nearby villages, says rep

by · Borneo Post Online
Dennis says this amount was established by experts with whom he had collaborated to conduct a feasibility study and develop an initial cost estimate.

KUCHING (Nov 15): Approximately RM3.9 billion is required to build JKR-standard R3 roads with multiple bridges, linking Long Bedian Sub-District to nearby villages, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau.

He said this amount was established by experts with whom he had collaborated to conduct a feasibility study and develop an initial cost estimate.

“These good hearted people utilise their expertise and vast experiences and took the trouble to come up with an estimate prior to this august House November sitting.

“Based on surveys and data collected, the total estimated cost to build a R3 type JKR standard road with several bridges and other miscellaneous infrastructure is RM3,902,753,407.25. The estimated length of these roads is at least 300 km,” he said during the debate on the Supply (2025) Bill 2024 today.

Dennis highlighted that these improved roads would connect major Penan and Kayan villages, such as Long Atip, Long Watt, Long Tujang, Long Buang, Long Bemang, Long Win, Long Bangan, Long Jenalong, Long Latei, Long Liwok, Long Nen, Long Karangan, Long Kevuk, Long Leng, Long Urang, Long Kawa, Ba Selulong, Ba Siang, Long Belok, Long Sayan, Long Daloh, Long Daloh Bistari, Long Anyat, Long Luteng, Long Itam Bunau, Long Itam Asal, Long Lilim, Ba Pakan, Ba Kabeng, Long Melangit, Long Senyai, Long Tebangan and Long Tap, which currently rely on logging roads for accessibility.

Addressing emergency road repairs, Dennis said three local companies have been appointed by the state government to conduct basic repairs and maintenance under the ‘Term Contract for Rural Road Maintenance’.

This initiative, he noted, has brought relief to longhouses within Telang Usan and Mulu constituencies.

“We were told that this was more of a trial programme as this is the first ever time this initiative is being rolled out.

“Being a vast area and very ‘ulu lagi’ (remote) with thousands of kilometres of earth roads making a web of basic communication lines, I urge the state government to continue with the initiative while looking at ways to improve it especially on the amount of funds allocated,” he added.