KUCHING, Aug 20: The ongoing upgrading works on the drainage system at RPR Batu Kawah here is a big project never seen before in the past 10 years, said Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, also Batu Kawah assemblyman, emphasised that the project involved a huge development fund that could not be handled by just one agency.
“All the drains at the front and back of the housing area will be upgraded gradually and tar sealed after completion.
“I’m very satisfied with the progress of the project. It is the responsibility of contractors to ensure the quality and outcome of the projects meet the regulation and requirements of relevant authorities,” he said in a statement following a visit to inspect the project site today.
He was accompanied by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) secretary Elizabeth Loh, council engineers, and Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Batu Kawah branch chairman Lim Ah Ted.
Batu Kawa, Dr Sim pointed out, is experiencing mass and rapid development with various infrastructures being implemented, upgraded, and improved, especially those that have been neglected for the past 10 years.
“Now it is also time for us to replan and implement them so that the residents can enjoy a better living environment,” he said.
As such, Dr Sim emphasised that Batu Kawah cannot just rely on one agency or source of funding from elected representatives to bring development; otherwise, the constituency will not be able to stay ahead of change and keep up with advances in development.
He promised to continue seeking more funding from various authorities to implement greater development and comprehensive infrastructure to ensure the future of Batu Kawah.
Since being elected as Batu Kawah assemblyman in 2016, Dr Sim has successfully obtained RM12.05 million from the Malaysian Road Record Information System (Marris) to implement drainage system upgrade projects in the areas.
Between 2016 and 2021, a total of RM10.59 million was used to complete an 8km drainage project, and this year, a total of RM1.47 million has been approved for 10 drainage projects totalling up to 1.3km. — DayakDaily
