SPAOH – Farmers in Lingit, Anyut, are expected to benefit from improved access to agricultural land following the early completion of a farm road upgrading project aimed at facilitating the transportation of produce.
The project was funded by the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA), with the Betong Division Public Works Department (JKR) serving as the implementing agency.
The upgraded road is intended to make it easier for farmers to travel between their farms and surrounding areas, particularly when moving harvested produce.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Bukit Saban assemblyman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said better farm road infrastructure was important in supporting the livelihoods of residents involved in agriculture.
Reliable access to farming areas, he noted, could help facilitate the movement of goods and support the continuation of agricultural activities.
“For farmers, transporting produce out of the farm is an important part of their activities. Better farm roads can help facilitate movement and facilitate the transportation of produce, thus supporting the continuity of agricultural activities in the area,” he said.
Uggah said rural infrastructure development should be assessed not only by the facilities delivered but also by how effectively those facilities supported local communities and their economic activities.
“We want the facilities provided to add value to the lives of the residents. When access to agricultural areas is improved, the efforts of farmers can be better supported, and this is important in ensuring that rural economic activities continue to move forward,” he said.
The Lingit farm road upgrading works were completed in accordance with the standards and specifications set by the Betong Division Public Works Department. The project was also finished ahead of its scheduled implementation timeline, with the official handover ceremony held on 15 October.
Improved access roads can be an important part of agricultural operations, particularly for farmers who need to transport produce from their land to collection points, markets or other destinations.
Road conditions may influence the ease of moving goods and equipment, although no specific figures on transport costs, travel times or agricultural production were provided for the Lingit project.
In rural areas where agriculture contributes to household incomes, suitable infrastructure can help address practical challenges associated with reaching farms and moving harvested crops.
However, the extent of the benefits depends on factors such as road conditions, seasonal weather and the availability of transport services, which were not detailed in the project announcement.
The Lingit project forms part of broader efforts to improve rural infrastructure through development funding. Such initiatives are intended to provide facilities that respond to the needs of local communities while supporting economic activities in agricultural areas.
A representative of the Lingit longhouse expressed appreciation to Uggah for the BDDA allocation that enabled the project to proceed. The funding allowed the upgrading works to be carried out for the benefit of residents who use the road.
The handover ceremony was attended by Jordan Evin, representing BDDA, as well as Norasyimah and Ezzalina Noh from the Betong Division Public Works Department.
Representatives from the Bukit Saban assemblyman’s service centre and the appointed contractor, Syarikat Langit Biru, were also present.
With the upgrading works completed ahead of schedule, the improved route is expected to provide practical support for farmers in Lingit, Anyut, particularly in moving agricultural produce from their farms.
The project’s longer-term contribution will depend on the continued usability and maintenance of the road as local agricultural activities progress. — Sarawak Daily
