BINTANGOR: The road construction project connecting nine longhouses in the Mupong Tengah area has been completed at a cost of RM400,000 to improve the ease of communication and access of residents in the area.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the government is also planning the implementation of the second phase of the project which involves road paving works with an estimated cost of RM450,000.

He said the implementation of the project is part of the Sarawak Government's ongoing efforts to improve basic facilities in rural areas and meet the needs of longhouse residents.

"This implemented project proves the continuous commitment of the Sarawak Government in improving basic facilities and the well-being of rural residents," he said when speaking at the Ngabang Gawai Dayak Semop programme, on Thursday.

In the meantime, the Semop Assemblyman said that the Ngabang Gawai Dayak programme is part of a series of seven-day event throughout the Semop constituency.

During that period, according to him, a total of 14 programmes were organised with community participation from more than 50 longhouses in the area.

In the same ceremony, Datuk Abdullah also presented the Minor Small Project (MRP) allocation amounting to RM60,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Preddy.

While another RM50,000 was channeled to JKKK Rumah Umboh to repair and upgrade the road leading to the respective longhouse piers for the comfort and convenience of the residents.

In addition, JKKK Rumah Seli received an allocation of RM15,000 for the construction of a separate kitchen, while 12 longhouse JKKKs also received an allocation of RM495,000 under the Sarawak Poor Home Improvement Project (PPRMS). -UKASnews