Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Masing (File Photo)

KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing advises the locals not to use the Ngemah-Song-Kapit road yet as it is still under construction.

He said there is still the missing link of about 14km between Nanga Ngungun and Tamalat.

Masing assured the people that the missing link, which would cost RM150 million to construct, would be completed in three years  with the availability of fund from the federal government.

“I hope the people will be patient enough as we are trying our best to complete the missing link in the next three years. Since the road is still under construction, any untoward incident will not be covered by insurance. So don’t put your life at risk,” he said when contacted yesterday.

He was asked for his comments after many netizens have posted their ordeals and thrills of finally having a road, albeit rugged and steep, along the missing link stretch.

“The 102km Sibu-Kapit road will be completed in three years’ time. And in the next five years, the Baleh hydroelectricity power (HEP) will be connected by a 120km tar-sealed road from Kapit.

“Therefore, in five years’ time, the Sibu-Kapit-Ulu Baleh road, with a total distance of about 230km of tar-sealed road, will be completed. It will bring much benefit to the people from more than 100 longhouses, schools and clinics.

“It’s my hope that these roads will not only connect rural settlements to towns, but also give them the opportunity to develop their native customary right (NCR) land with improved accessibility.”

He also hoped that the opposition would stop blaming the government of not helping the rural populace to help themselves.

Masing also revealed that the total cost of the 230km of road and bridges is about RM5 billion.

The five major bridges Kanowit River bridge, Katibas River bridge, Baleh River bridge, Mujong River bridge and Sungai Merirai bridge.

Among these bridges, the Kanowit, Katibas and Baleh Bridges have been completed. Works on Mujong and Merirai bridges have have yet to begin.