SRI AMAN: The Sarawak Government continues to be committed to strengthening rural development through the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects that open access to new exploration of agricultural land areas, thus stimulating economic activity and increasing the income of the people in the Sri Aman area.

Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Francis Harden Hollis said, various major projects are currently underway and will be implemented, including the construction of the Batang Lupar 2 Bridge, the upgrading of Jalan Ulu Paku and the upgrade of Jalan Guntong Menalang/Tenggak River.

According to him, the construction of a concrete bridge across Sungai Undop in Kampung Beleti as well as the construction of Jalan Brayun Basi/Stuga was focused on to improve the communication network to agricultural areas.

"All these projects are a special initiative of the Sarawak Government to help the people of Sri Aman get access to develop land and implement agricultural-based economic activities to increase their income," he said.

He said this while inaugurating the Tikai Ngiling Ceremony and the Opening of the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) Project to Repair Long Houses in Rumag Intai Kilau, San Ugol Atas, on Sunday.

The Simanggang Assemblyman also called on the people, particularly those in rural areas, to continue to support the Sarawak Government to ensure that more development projects can be implemented for the benefit of the community.

Datuk Francis said facilities such as access roads and concrete bridges provided by the government should be fully utilised to drive local economic growth, especially in the agricultural sector.

"The people need to take the opportunity from the facilities provided to develop the land, increase agricultural yield and further improve the standard of living of their respective families," he said.

At the same event, he also presented a Minor Rural Project (MRP) cheque amounting to RM45,000 to 11 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) in the Simanggang constituency to support the implementation of development and community activities at the grassroots level. -UKASnews