KUCHING, May 26: Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun is wrong to oppose the construction of second trunk road (STR), opines political secretary to the Chief Minister Edwin Banta.
Responding to Entulu’s recent criticism that the RM6 billion allocated for the proposed STR is a waste of resources and would be better utilised on rural infrastructure development, Edwin said Entulu had failed to realise the impact of STR to the local economy and people’s livelihood.
“The people of Sg Bekikik, Sg Kua/Nanga Arau and Ulu Selangau can testify to the hardship they are currently facing due to the uncompleted roads under Entulu’s tenure previously.
“Due to the uncomplete road projects, the people of these areas have been experiencing various problems such as difficulties to market their farm produce, sending their children to school, getting proper health care and subsequently causing problem of mass rural urban migration,” Edwin said in a statement.
He pointed out that Entulu should have shown greater concern for rural development in Selangau when the latter was the Deputy Minister for Rural Development and Minister in Prime Minister’s Department.
“He could have requested for more allocations for road and rural development for his area. Additionally, he could have improved the internet connectivity for the benefits of rural youths in Selangau.
“As an experience politician, I humbly advised Entulu to support the STR so that the people of the affected ares can reap the benefits of the proposed project,” Edwin added. —DayakDaily
