By Nancy Nais
BALAI RINGIN, April 10: Some 70 per cent of the population here have yet to enjoy treated water supply, said its assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Urging the communities not to worry, Snowdan assured that the Sarawak government has been working on it and there are plans to solve this problem.
“Although the supply of treated water at Balai Ringin area is yet to be comprehensive, the Sarawak government is working hard to ensure that it could be fully supplied to Balai Ringin.
“In this regard, the government’s master plan includes definite solving of treated water supply not only in this constituency but for the whole state,” Snowdan explained.
Speaking at the Balai Ringin mini stadium earth breaking ceremony by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg this morning, Snowdan also disclosed an impressive master plan to upgrade and develop Balai Ringin bazaar.
This includes the expansion of its current bazaar and market area, and a waterfront.
“It is time for us to upgrade Balai Ringin into a sub-district. Not only will this help to improve the livelihood of our constituents, but they can receive better and efficient administration services.
“The population is ever growing and we are facing rapid pace of development in the constituency. While other assemblymen manage one or two administrative areas, I have to manage three, namely Serian, Samarahan and Sri Aman,” he added.
Located about half an hour drive from Serian town, Balai Ringin lies approximately 75km from Kuching.
Snowdan, who is also Sarawak’s Youth and Sports Assistant Minister in his speech also requested for an additional RM5 million allocation from Abang Johari for the new mini stadium.
In August 2019, Abang Johari had approved the RM10 million project on a 19-acre piece of state land situated one kilometre after Balai Ringin bazaar along Pan-Borneo Serian-Sri Aman highway.
“The 18-month project began construction in January this year. In our earlier submission, it was estimated that RM10 million would be sufficient. However, we realised that was not enough due to unforeseen circumstances as many areas are swampy.
“Therefore, we need an additional RM5 million to complete it, otherwise several components of the mini stadium will have to be taken out,” Snowdan explained.
He highlighted that there were 40 schools in Balai Ringin which have talented youths in various sports and 15 Sukma state athletes came from Balai Ringin constituency.
“We must develop our young talents by providing them exposure and training. At the same time, this mini stadium can be used by others from Serian and Samarahan, particularly youths and students for inter-school sport events,” he remarked. — DayakDaily
