KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring the possibility of using slag and other waste products as road construction materials, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
He mentioned that the state Public Works Department (JKR) is currently conducting a study to determine whether slag produced by the ferroalloy industries in Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu can be utilized for road construction.
Uggah informed reporters at a seminar on revolutionizing road and airport infrastructure in Kuching on September 7 that the ferroalloy industries claim to have approximately one million tonnes of slag waste.
“We will discuss this matter with the Department of Environment, as the waste is currently classified as scheduled waste,” he explained.
The Deputy Premier also revealed that JKR has been examining a Petronas experiment involving the use of plastic in road construction materials.
“We are further investigating this. Apparently, Australia has already constructed roads using these types of waste materials, including plastic,” Uggah stated.
“If Australia can do it, there’s no reason why Sarawak can’t,” he added.
However, Uggah emphasized the need for more research on converting waste into road building materials.
“We must ensure that our studies comply with JKR standards before they can be implemented,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, Uggah expressed hope that the private sector would take the lead in processing the waste and transforming it into road construction materials.
Additionally, Sarawak is currently in the process of expanding its road network system to connect previously inaccessible areas.
Uggah mentioned that 1,282km of roads need to be constructed to reach presently inaccessible areas and an additional 2,120km for areas only accessible by inactive logging roads.
“Our post-Covid-19 development strategy aims to improve the living conditions of the people, and one aspect we are focused on is connecting villages that currently lack road access,” he remarked.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
