KAPIT: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today approved the construction of the 72km-long Samaram-Kapit road, which will help to ease traffic jams in the town here.
He said the state Public Works Department can now start making early preparation this year for the construction of the road.
"We will allocate funds for Phase One of the project next year and I believe that by the end of next year or early 2026, the construction could begin," he said at a gathering with local community leaders at the Dewan Suarah here today.
He said the cost of the project is estimated to be over RM500 million.
"If there is any delay in the construction, then don't ask me, ask Alex," he said, referring to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also Kapit member of parliament.
Anwar said he has also approved the construction of a by-pass from the Kapit government complex to Jalan Airport.
The Finance Minister said attention must be given to dilapidated clinics and schools in Kapit Division, adding that the repair work must be expedited.
He said Kapit has always been in his heart, saying that had last visited the division in 1994 and 1995 when he was Finance Minister.
He said Nanta is a senior minister in federal unity government they will see each other during the weekly Cabinet meeting,
"That is why I will not forget Kapit."
Earlier in his speech, Nanta said it is necessary to upgrade public infrastructure facilities in Kapit division, and he requested that Anwar to consider the 72km-long road from Samaram to Kapit.
"In addition to providing more road facilities, its construction will overcome traffic congestion in Bandar Kapit."
Nanta said the Kapit division is able to support the wishes of the state and federal governments to drive the new economy using technology, saying that this is proven through three mega dams, namely Bakun (2,400MW), Murum (944MW) and the soon-to-be completed Baleh (1,285MW).
He added that the Kapit division has 1.6 million hectares of forested areas for carbon storage, carbon capture and carbon trading.
He said plans to create cascading dams in several rivers in Kapit is one of the newest sources of economy for the division.
He urged Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, who was present at the same event, to explain to the people on how they would benefit from these projects.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.