Repairs on the Hutaimbaru-Sipiongot roads begin
Work on the rehabilitation of the Hutaimbaru-Sipiongot road in North Padangglawas (Paluta) regency, carried out by the Provincial Government of North Sumatra (Pemprov), is beginning to show results. Although not yet completed, the community has felt the benefits, both in terms of economics and ease of mobility.
Repairs on the 11.8 kilometer road have begun and progress is about 20%. At a number of points that previously suffered heavy damage, filling, leveling and asphalting have been carried out to ensure that community activities run more smoothly.
Traders along the Hutaimbaru-Sipiongot stretch have begun to experience an increase in income. Marwan Harahap, a grocery store owner in Paolan Village, admitted that road conditions are improving, prompting more motorists to visit his store.
“It’s even worse, sir, before people were too lazy to stop at my stall. How could they stop, the road had big potholes. But now it’s busier, the increase is about 50%, because even from the intersection it’s slippery,” Marwan Harahap said.
According to Marwan, road improvements also make it easier for him to meet his trading needs. The travel time from Paolan Village to Gunungtua, the capital of North Padanglawas regency, is now only about 30 minutes by motorbike.
“Yes, before you fix it, you should think carefully about what you want to buy. If you want to go, you should think twice, especially if it rains, it may not happen. Now it only takes 30 minutes to go to Gunungtua, you can go there 2, 3 times a day, no problem,” he added.
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Marwan also recalled his experience when he helped guide a mother who was about to give birth. Due to the damaged and shaking road conditions, the mother gave birth halfway through the journey.
‘She gave birth on the way, sir, but we took her to the hospital anyway. It’s just a pity, sir, if we’re in a hurry now, we can make some speed,’ Marwan said.
Meanwhile, in the Sipiongot area, the provincial government of North Sumatra is not only paving roads but also constructing large culverts around the Sipiongot market. Local resident Sudirman Sitompul admitted he was moved as he saw the road to his village being repaired for the first time in about four decades.
“Even though it is the end of my life, I finally see the road to my village being paved. That is a source of pride. I and of course all the people here are very happy and very grateful to Mr. Bobby Nasution,” said Sudirman Sitompul.
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Although the paving work has not yet been fully completed, Sudirman says the community has benefited as the road that was previously badly damaged has now been leveled and filled.
“It’s not tarred yet, it’s still Sirtu which is close to here, Hutaimbaru has already done it. Even then the impact is extraordinary, it’s less than 2 hours to Gunungtua. When the tarmac is ready it might take 1 hour,” he added.
In addition to the Hutaimbaru-Sipiongot section, the provincial government of North Sumatra is also working on repairs to the 12-kilometer Sipiongot-Batas Tapanuli Selatan (Tolang) road section and the 16-kilometer Sipiongot-Batas Labuhanbatu section. All work is planned to be completed by the end of 2026. ***REL
