Aaron operates an excavator during the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the project, as (from second left) Rubiah, Allan and others look on.

KANOWIT (Aug 29): A new 3.6-kilometre paved road connecting three longhouses in the Menalun-Sungai Poi area is expected to improve daily life for 446 residents by providing easier access to schools, healthcare, markets, employment and agricultural activities.

The RM46.11-million Phase Three project will extend the existing Phase Two road to Rumah Keleman, Rumah Nyaru and Rumah Jelani, benefiting some 57 doors.

Minister of National Unity Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said improved road connectivity would give rural residents greater mobility and open up more opportunities for economic activities.

“When we have roads and other infrastructure such as electricity and water, many activities can be carried out, including creating employment opportunities and supporting economic activities,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase Three of the Menalun-Sungai Poi Road Construction Project at Rumah Jarau Jenggot in Menalun Ili, Sungai Poi here.

Aaron, who is also Kanowit MP, said the project was part of the federal government’s continued efforts to improve rural connectivity, not only in Kanowit and Sarawak but throughout the country.

“This is not only about the people here. All districts and states across the country still need rural roads like those being developed in Sarawak and in Kanowit,” he said.

He said the new road would bring communities closer to essential services, including schools, healthcare facilities and commercial centres.

For residents, improved connectivity is expected to reduce their dependence on river transport, which has been the main means of access for the local community and pupils of SK Nanga Menalun.

The road is also expected to make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets while providing residents with better access to employment and other economic opportunities in Kanowit and Sibu.

“When the infrastructure is connected, it strengthens the connection between the people and creates opportunities for individuals to work and for the government to support economic activities,” Aaron said.

He also noted that the Phase Three stretch, although only 3.6-kilometre long, would bring the road network significantly closer to SK Nanga Menalun.

“I was joking with the deputy minister earlier that we are now just a little further from reaching the school,” he said.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), has allocated RM46.11 million for the project.

The 3.63-kilometre paved road is being constructed according to JKR-R1 specifications by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), with Kemudi Harta Sdn Bhd appointed as contractor at a contract value of RM39.96 million.

The project has a 24-month construction period, from Nov 17, 2025 to Nov 15, 2027.

Its scope includes construction of the main paved road linking the Phase Two Menalun-Poi road to Rumah Keleman (Rumah Sait), Rumah Nyaru (Rumah Linda) and Rumah Jelani (Rumah Uman), as well as roadside drains, culverts and other related structures.

Aaron said DID Sarawak and the appointed consultants would closely monitor the quality and progress of construction to ensure the project was completed according to the required standards and within the stipulated timeframe.

He also expressed appreciation to KKDW and its officers for their efforts in advancing rural infrastructure development and improving connectivity for rural communities.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, KKDW deputy secretary-general (Development) Dato Dr Roslan Mahmood, Sarawak DID director Datu Ir Ts Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, Kanowit District officer Cerisologo Sabut, Sibu Division Deputy Resident Maria Nadja Jimmy, KKDW Sarawak State director Mohd Syafiq Anas Abdullah, and Tuai Rumah Jarau Jenggot.