Baram residents demand urgent upgrade of flood-prone gravel road

MIRI — Residents of Baram have urged local authorities to prioritize urgent maintenance and upgrading of a gravel road serving the community, which has become increasingly difficult to access during rainy seasons.

The road, which connects several settlements in the area, regularly becomes impassable due to flooding and poor surface conditions, according to locals. The deteriorating infrastructure has created significant challenges for the approximately 3,000 residents who depend on the route for daily transportation, access to schools, healthcare facilities, and economic activities.

Community members have highlighted the safety risks posed by the current state of the road, particularly for vehicles and motorcyclists navigating the flooded sections during monsoon periods. The ongoing delays in road maintenance have prompted residents to call on state and federal authorities to include the project in development plans.

The issue reflects broader infrastructure concerns in rural areas of Sarawak, where many communities remain dependent on basic road networks that require regular upgrades to meet growing population needs and climate-related challenges. Local officials have been urged to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road's condition and develop a timeline for improvements.

Residents expressed hope that the upgrade would include drainage improvements to mitigate flooding risks and road resurfacing to enhance durability and safety standards.