SPAOH – Two Rural Transformation Project (RTP) initiatives in the Spaoh and Debak areas have been completed ahead of their scheduled dates, providing upgraded facilities for residents in the affected communities.
The completed projects comprise the Munggu Gernis Longhouse parking area upgrade in Spaoh and the Lakis Entawa Longhouse back road upgrade in Debak.
The Munggu Gernis project involved improvements to the longhouse parking facilities, including a covered area intended to provide residents and visitors with a more organised and convenient space for vehicles.
The project was carried out under the RTP 2026 allocation for DUN N.37 Bukit Saban. Its six-month contract began on 26 May 2026, with completion originally scheduled for 9 November.
The upgraded parking facility is intended to accommodate residents and visitors, particularly when the longhouse hosts community activities or receives larger numbers of guests.
The covered area also provides protection for vehicles from sun and rain, while helping to improve the overall organisation of the space around the longhouse.
A handover session for the completed facility was held in Spaoh on Thursday, 10 September. Representatives from the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR), the N.37 Bukit Saban Assemblyman Service Centre, contractor Bukit Lesung Enterprise and the Munggu Gernis Longhouse JKKK attended the session.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and N.37 Bukit Saban Assemblyman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the covered parking facility addressed an important infrastructure need at the longhouse.
“When there is a specific and covered parking space, residents no longer need to worry too much when the weather is hot or rainy. At the same time, vehicles can be arranged more orderly when many people come to the longhouse,” he said.
Uggah said the facility was also designed with the community’s regular activities and visitors in mind.
“Longhouses are not only places to live, but also a place for the community to gather and carry out various affairs. So, spaces like this can provide more comfort to residents and guests every time there is an activity or visit,” he said.
Tuai Rumah Entinggang, head of Munggu Gernis Longhouse, expressed appreciation to Uggah and the Sarawak Government for addressing the needs of the residents.
He said the covered parking area would be particularly useful when the longhouse hosts visitors and community activities involving larger numbers of residents.
The second project, the Lakis Entawa Longhouse back road upgrade in Debak, was also completed ahead of schedule.
The project had a four-month contract period beginning on 26 May 2026 and was initially scheduled to be completed on 25 September.
Works included the construction of a cobblestone road providing improved access to the area behind Rumah Panjang Lakis Entawa.
The road serves residents travelling to agricultural plots and livestock areas, supporting access for routine activities connected to farming and animal rearing.
With the project completed, residents have improved access to these areas, potentially making daily movement and activities more convenient and safer.
The early completion of both projects represents progress in the delivery of rural infrastructure under the RTP programme, with JKR Sarawak responsible for implementation through the relevant divisional authorities.
The two projects address different community needs, with the Munggu Gernis development focused on parking and gathering-related facilities, while the Lakis Entawa project improves road access to agricultural and livestock areas.
