By DayakDaily Team
SIMUNJAN, Nov 5: Residents facing the threat of riverbank erosion along Sungai Ladong and Batang Sadong will be prioritised for relocation under the 77-lot Sungai Ladong Village Expansion Scheme (SPK), which aims to provide them with safer homes.
Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the scheme, approved by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, aims to provide affected residents with a safer and more comfortable living environment.
“I would therefore advise residents affected by riverbank erosion along Sungai Ladong and Batang Sadong to relocate to the new settlement, which offers a more suitable, safe and comfortable environment,” he said when speaking at the SPK Sungai Ladong programme here today, as reported by TVS.
He said the new settlement was necessary as worsening riverbank erosion had increasingly threatened residents’ land and homes.
The same erosion problem had also prompted the relocation of Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Ladong Lama to a new site near the SPK area.
Julaihi said the project, approved in 2024, covers approximately 20.49 hectares and was initially allocated RM17 million.
Of the total allocation, about RM10.5 million has been used for house construction, while the remaining funds will be channelled towards infrastructure development, including roads and a mosque.
The new settlement is also planned to include essential amenities such as water and electricity supplies, as well as community facilities.
He added that other residents living along the riverbanks, including those not directly threatened by erosion, could also be considered for relocation.
Julaihi said the proposed relocation site was identified after he raised the residents’ needs with Abang Johari.
“When I saw the needs of the residents, I submitted a request to the Premier to identify a suitable site for relocating residents through the Village Expansion Scheme,” he said. — DayakDaily
