Waiting for thirty seven years within a person's life span is a very long period of time indeed. Judging from past experiences, nobody would have expected it to come "so soon". The signboard is there nevertheless, barely twenty four hours ago to be exact. May be the fact that it has been so long overdue could now be forgiven. Or may be it is too soon to be too euphoric about it until the upgrading is completed from end to end. The signboard says that the date of completion would be on 22 February, 2011. Between now and then there might be a lot of "un-sangka-able" things that might happen. Again, our our past experiences whisper to us that. By the way, "unsangkaable" is the writer's own term for unpredictable.
But one wonder, without being malice or sinister though, why must there be a tag line or catch word which reads "Jasa Kepada Rakyat" on the top most of the signboard? Loosely translated to English, that would mean "Deeds To The People/Citizens". Does it not sound more appropriate and befitting if the catch word is "Tanggungjawab Kepada Rakyat" which means "Responsibility Towards The People/Citizens" when this is after all done by the "government of the people, by the people, for the people"? Indeed, all throughout the history of Sarawak's free election, no government of the day candidates have ever been rejected by the voters in the affected areas. To compound that, millions have been extracted from along the road and it's surrounding geography and this upgrading of the road should be some kind of a "compensation" albeit having to wait for such a long, long time. I am not into politics though, just an ordinary citizen who feels that we should have been given what is due, with all honesty.
That being said, if and when the upgrading is completed on the 22/02/2011 as advertised, citizens living along the Lundu-Biawak Road should be able to breathe a sigh of relief. Generally industrious, the mainly Salako and Rara community within the geography should be able to harness their own full potentials to participate in whatever suitable endeavor they are capable of to upgrade their standard of living. By then there should be no more dust, no more huge puddles and gravel and no more treacherous and bumpy journey for them to participate in whatever undertakings as true citizens of Malaysia. If indeed there are manifestations of this bountiful, beloved motherland, this upgrading of the road should be one of it.
By the way though, come 23/02/2011, some local business sectors might be slightly affected. Expect less tire punctures, engines and suspensions breakdowns and anything related with motor vehicles care and maintenance. This would mean less frequent visits to mechanics and accessory outlets. Local vehicles shampoo agents would see some drop in business because there would be less need for them amongst vehicle owners along Lundu-Biawak Road as the dusty road of yesteryears are now RIP. Shops selling face masks would see their sales dwindle a bit due to the above signboard. On the plus side, more new helmets and motorcycles would probably be sold.
And by the way too, expect emergency calls for emergency prayers at odd times due to reckless driving and unnecessary speeding. God forbid, may these not be the case.
Further related articles can be read here, here, here, and here.
Oh, one more thing, in as far as this road upgrading is concerned, let the credits belong to this bountiful and blessed motherland. Nobody should therefore be downgraded to owing something to somebody.
Further related articles can be read here, here, here, and here.
The signboard put up barely 24 hours ago. The writings say it all.
The road condition as time-stamped.
Strategically put up right at the junction of Lundu-Biawak Road.
The writer's visualization of how travel to Biawak would be after 22/02/2011
After 22/02/2011, hopefully no images similar to these below would ever be seen or recorded again by anyone traveling along Lundu-Biawak Road.
During dry seasons.
During wet seasons.
During dry seasons.
During wet seasons.
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