By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 8: Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben has voiced out the need to appoint Temenggong, Pemanca and Penghulu for the Iban and Malay communities in Serian division.
He emphasised that since Serian was officially elevated to divisional status in October 2015, community leaders’ (ketua masyarakat) positions of Temenggong and Pemanca from these communities have not been made available.
“I, therefore urge the (state) government to give due consideration to creating these positions and appoint the ketua masyarakat.
“Their appointments are critical because they play an important role in bridging the gap between communities and the government as well as the political leaders,” he said when debating on the 2020 Sarawak Budget at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.
On basic amenities, Martin informed that some 422 houses from various villages were late to submit applications for electricity via the Additional or Late Applicant Funds (ALAF) programme in February and April 2019 respectively.
“It is my hope Tuan Speaker that all the 422 houses can be connected with electricity supply in 2020,” he said.
He also pointed out that water supply disruption and low pressure have been frequent occurrences in the constituency, especially during the prolonged dry season.
“With more than 5,000 households connected once the pipelines and associated works along Mentung and Mongkos roads are completed, the situation can only get worse,” he added.
Martin thus suggested that it is high time for the government to commission a feasibility study to see if sources from Batang Kayan in Tebedu, Batang Ruben, Upper Batang Kedup, Sungai Mujat, Sungai Bunan and Sungai Nanga Peku are suitable for another treatment plant.
“If another treatment plant can be built, it will certainly help ease the stress at Serian Treatment Plant,” he said.— DayakDaily
