SONG – Residents of Nanga Engkuah Village in Ulu Katibas have welcomed new infrastructure under the MADANI Adoption Village Project 2024, spearheaded by the Ministry of Works Malaysia (KKR).
The initiative has delivered vital facilities including a new bridge and street lighting, significantly improving safety and mobility for the longhouse community.
Minister of Works Dato’ Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi officiated the handover ceremony at the Song District Office Grounds on Sunday.
He emphasised that the MADANI Government remains committed to ensuring Federal development reaches even the most remote parts of Sarawak.
“The selection of Kampung Nanga Engkuah for the MADANI Adoption Village Project proves the government’s efforts to bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas, even though the area can only be accessed via a logging road or river journey that takes up to three hours from Song Town,” he said.
Alexander acknowledged that the project faced logistical challenges, geographical constraints and manpower limitations.
However, he praised the dedication of all parties involved, noting that the works were completed on schedule despite the difficulties.
The facilities include a bridge connecting longhouses and the installation of street lights throughout the village.
These improvements are expected to enhance safety, ease daily movement and encourage community activities, particularly during the evening.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the residents of Nanga Engkuah for their cooperation throughout the project, highlighting that their support reflected MADANI values of unity, collaboration and community well-being.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Datuk Dr Khairus Masnan Abdul Khalid, KKR Deputy Secretary-General (Policy and Development), Dato’ Jasni Jubli, Sarawak State Development Director, Lidam Assan, State Assemblyman for Katibas, as well as representatives from government agencies including the Kapit Division Resident and Song District Officer.
The project marks another step in Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to modernise rural infrastructure, ensuring that communities in the interior are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.
