Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing listens to an explanation while inspecting the completed orchard road bridge construction project in Batu Lapan, Jalan KJD Bintangor. Photo TVS
BINTANGOR, Dec 11: Efforts to improve basic agriculture facilities, especially upgrading orchard roads and building more bridges in rural areas of Meradong, continue to be given priority in realizing the desire to make the district the 'food basket' of Sarawak.
Meradong State Assemblyman (ADUN), Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, said the emphasis on agriculture infrastructure is very important to ensure that production can be improved and to make it easier for farmers and smallholders to transport produce from the fields to the collection centre or market.
According to him, the facilities developed can help smallholders transport agricultural produce, especially oil palm, without relying on old routes that are no longer suitable to meet current needs.
“I do not deny that there are still many bridges and orchard roads in Meradong that need construction and upgrading so that agricultural activities can be carried out more efficiently and safely.
“Therefore, I hope that the Sarawak Government can increase the allocation to implement these projects since the need is increasingly urgent.
“This effort will not only speed up the production of agricultural products, but can also improve the economy of the local population,” he said after witnessing the handover ceremony of the completion of the Batu Lapan Bridge, Jalan KJD, here today.
The bridge, measuring four metres wide and 18 metres long, was built at a cost of about RM250,000 and will benefit five longhouses in the Sungai Mador area.
At the same time, he expressed his appreciation to the Sarikei Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) for successfully completing the project according to the set schedule.
Recalling the efforts to upgrade infrastructure, he said that about three years ago each village received an allocation of RM1 million for road construction.
However, there are still many garden roads in Meradong that need improvement, and he has brought the matter to the House, urging the government to increase allocations to ensure that Meradong's agricultural sector continues to grow rapidly.
