LOGGING roads in the state will be upgraded by the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
The Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development said a few logging roads have been and will be taken over for upgrading works with cooperation of the federal government.
“These roads were left behind by previous licensed logging companies after they ended their operations in the area.
“So later, these roads will be upgraded and maintained by PWD Sarawak,” Len said during question time today.
He was replying to Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau who wanted to know whether the government will work with timber companies to upgrade these timber roads which are used by the public and government staff.
He said the state government is concerned about the safety of the public and government servants who use the logging roads.
“The logging road connections are used not only by trailers carrying logs but also the rural community to go back-and-forth to nearby towns.
“Hence, constant maintenance works on these roads are needed to ensure that the roads are in good condition and safe to use.
“Also, the rural community is very much dependant on these roads, especially when they are in need of healthcare services, education and food supplies,” he added.
Len said the State Council Meeting on June 29, 2021 had approved the road maintenance rates for the implementation of projects in the state.
The rates must be abided by all quarters, especially the licensed timber companies and appointed contractors implementing government projects, to ensure the roads are maintained at a satisfactory level and safe to use.
Meanwhile, asked whether RTP and MRP projects under implementation will have to pay for the use of logging roads, Len said that projects under RM200,000 will not be charged.
“For projects more than RM200,000, the rate charged is RM3 per km for every vehicle making around trips,” he said.
There are also conditions that contractors need to follow when commencing road works in forest reserve areas.
One of the conditions is that contractors need to get written permission from the director of Forestry Department before commencing road upgrading works.
