By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Oct 31: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg approved two infrastructure projects for Baram (Telang Usan and Long Pillah), with a total cost of RM19 million.
These two projects involved the construction of a farming centre in Long Pillah costing some RM1 million and an RM18 million sports complex in Long Lama were requests from Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
“I have approved his (Dennis Ngau) request with immediate effect,” Abang Johari disclosed this to the media after officiating the handing over of Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) projects today (Oct 31, 2020) at Long Pillah in Baram.
The SARES projects costing RM35 million will be implemented in 13 longhouses within the Telang Usan constituency.
Abang Johari asserted that the state government is committed to helping the rakyat.
“Various initiatives and infrastructure projects we implemented reflects our commitment to helping the people, unlike during the 22-month (PH) government where many megaprojects meant for Sarawak were slashed and the state GPS government had to take over because we care for the Rakyat wellbeing,” he said.
Citing on the SARES projects (handing over of the project held in Long Pillah) today, he said the villagers in the surrounding areas can now enjoy a 24-hour electricity supply.
“With SARES, school children now no longer use candlelight to study at night and the people need not spend more to buy diesel to run their generator sets,” Abang Johari pointed out.
He added that the State government aimed to achieve 100 percent electricity coverage in Sarawak remote areas by 2022.
“For Telang Usan 71 percent of the constituency area have been supplied with electricity, while Mulu 90 percent and we are committed to supplying the remaining areas as soon as possible,” he said.
Abang Johari reiterated that the state government is planning a better road network in the Northern region which he envisaged would help accelerate Baram’s development.
“We are planning to build a road linking Marudi to Kuala Melinau and Telang Usan to Mulu,” he disclosed.
The 112km road would provide a vital link to Mulu National Park to boost tourism. — DayakDaily
