PADAWAN: Building elevated roads on peat soil can significantly reduce long-term infrastructure maintenance costs despite requiring a higher initial construction budget.
 
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said previous use of geotextile materials had not fully resolved soil settlement issues in peatland areas, resulting in frequent maintenance works to ensure road safety.
 
According to him, the new approach of constructing elevated roads using modern technology is seen as more effective as it minimises road damage and subsequently reduces long-term maintenance expenditure.
 
“As we know, there is a road in Samarahan that we previously built using geotextile, but the method proved less effective as the road surface remains uneven and undulating.
 
“Therefore, I have directed the Public Works Department (JKR) to change its approach and adopt new technology in constructing roads in peatland areas—specifically elevated roads. Although the initial cost is higher, long-term maintenance costs will be lower and more economical,” he said.
 
He said this when speaking at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Clinker Line 2 Project at the Mambong Integrated Plant, here on Thursday.
 
Meanwhile, he pointed out that constructing elevated roads also benefits Sarawak from an environmental sustainability perspective, as mangrove and peatland areas need not be disturbed—allowing them to function as natural carbon sinks.
 
“As a return, these areas are able to store carbon, enabling us to participate in carbon trading. Although there is no direct income generated from the land itself, we are still able to benefit from it.
 
“This creates a balance, where we do not incur losses and, in fact, gain advantages,” he said.
 
Among those present were Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Hipni, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo, Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) Berhad Group Chairman Dato Seri Diraja Tan Sri (Dr) Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin, CMS Berhad Group Managing Director Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Abdul Taib, and other guests. -UKASnews
 
Reporter: Jonnie Kiew
Photographer: Muhammad Rais Sanusi