MIRI (Sept 29): Construction of the Sungai Sengayan bridge near Long Jekitan, Ulu Baram has been completed, while two other bridges spanning Sungai Tebao and Sungai Lakat are still under construction, said Datuk Gerawat Gala.

The Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) said the three projects reflected the state government’s continued efforts and commitment to improving basic amenities and infrastructure in Long Jekitan.

“In terms of basic amenities, Long Jekitan now has electricity supply and telecommunications facilities, while a clean water supply project is being implemented under the Highland Development Agency (HDA).

“For the road network, the long-term plan is to upgrade the road from Long Jekitan to Lapok in stages,” he said during a visit to Long Jekitan on Monday.

Gerawat said the road upgrading efforts were in line with the Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s decision for logging roads previously under logging companies to be taken over by the Sarawak government.

He said the move would allow the roads to be improved in stages for the benefit of the people, particularly those living in rural areas.

The Mulu assemblyman said there were still infrastructure needs that required improvement in rural areas, particularly in the Mulu constituency.

As such, he said his office would continue to raise and follow up on the matters with the relevant government agencies to ensure the needs of residents in Long Jekitan and the Mulu constituency continue to receive attention.

Meanwhile, he said the visit to Long Jekitan was also aimed at delivering aid to 10 families who lost their homes in a fire on Sept 19.

“The assistance was channelled through the N.78 Mulu service centre as a gesture of concern and support for the families going through a difficult time following the disaster,” he said, adding that he thanked all those who had contributed to helping the affected families.