(From left) Rubiah and Aaron (centre) being briefed on the project.

KANOWIT (Aug 29): A RM58.4 million allocation has been approved for Phase Four of the Menalun-Sungai Poi Rural Road Construction Project, which will provide a 2.6-kilometre road linking two longhouses and extending directly to a school.

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang said the phase, which includes two bridges and a JKR R1-standard road, is currently at the design stage.

“The allocation for Phase Four is RM58.4 million. It covers 2.6 kilometres and two bridges, and will continue directly to the school as well as connect Rumah Gani and Rumah Tarang,” she told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase Three of the project at Rumah Jarau Jenggot in Menalun Ili, Sungai Poi here.

Rubiah said the overall Menalun-Sungai Poi road project had been allocated RM170 million and was divided into four phases due to the area’s challenging geographical conditions.

“Phase One has been completed, Phase Two has also been completed, while Phase Three was launched today and Phase Four is currently under design,” she said.

She said Phase Three involves the construction of a 3.6-kilometre road with an allocation of RM46 million, although the successful contractor’s bid was RM39 million.

The phased approach was recommended by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), particularly due to the area’s hilly terrain and land matters involving local residents, she said.

“We do not want issues in one section to affect the implementation of another section. Therefore, we are doing it in phases to facilitate smoother and better implementation,” she said.

Rubiah said Phase One involved 10 kilometres of road and three bridges at a cost of about RM50 million, while Phase Two covered a one-kilometre stretch and one bridge with an allocation of RM15.8 million.

Upon completion, the entire project is expected to significantly improve connectivity for communities in Sungai Poi, particularly access to schools and other essential facilities, she said.

“Ultimately, the project will not only improve connectivity but also contribute to socio-economic development in the area,” she said.

Rubiah also called on the local community, community leaders, government agencies and contractors to work closely to ensure the projects were completed on schedule and met the required quality standards.

She said the ministry would continue to consider applications for additional rural road projects in the area, subject to the planning and approval processes involving the state and federal governments.

Earlier, National Unity Minister and Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase Three of the Menalun-Sungai Poi Rural Road Construction Project.