KUCHING, Feb 6: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen should advocate for more projects and funds from the federal Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to address Sarawak’s flood-prone areas, particularly in the Stampin federael constituency, says Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
This came from Lo in a statement today in response to Chong’s statement yesterday (Feb 5). The latter stated that rather than spending RM60 million of Sarawak taxpayers’ money to build MPP’s new office building, the funds could be better spent on improving the drainage and irrigation systems in areas under MPP’s jurisdiction.
“Chong, being the unity government, should lobby for more development funds for Sarawak.
“Chong should lobby for more projects and funds from DID federal (sic) to meet the challenges faced by Sarawak to mitigate flood prone areas, particularly the Stampin constituency, where Chong is now the Member for Parliament,” the MPP chairman asserted.
He also emphasised that flood mitigation is under the purview of the federal government, that major drainage studies and projects cost hundreds of millions of ringgit to implement, and that funds should be provided by the federal government.
“The council takes care of secondary roads and drains which discharge into major drains after these major drains have been designed for and constructed by the federal government in collaboration with the Sarawak government,” he added.
Lo also disclosed that the old MPP office currently lacks an auditorium, multi-purpose hall, and gardens.
“The new office is not just an office. It’s a long-term plan over 20 acres of land to complement development plans for the future.
“As the area surrounding this new office flourish with commercial and housing developments in the years ahead, these 20 acres of greens and parks with a natural detention pond and public facilities like an auditorium, multipurpose hall, library and rooftop garden, walking or running tracks, promises to provide a conducive avenue for the communities to meet, interact, and use the facilities for the benefit of the communities themselves,” he added. — DayakDaily
