By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Aug 17: The government should allow Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) to split some contracts to small portions so that class F contractors will have the opportunities to participate in the business endeavours in Kapit.
In highlighting this today, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said, many of the Class F contractors who are members of the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Kapit Branch have voiced their concerns to him during a courtesy call on him this morning.
“DUB Kapit members should be given the chance to participate in contract jobs in Kapit and URDA area, as it was practiced in the past. This include the supplying of diesel to schools in rural areas.
“So in this regards, I propose that schools in Kapit be placed into zones so that these small contractors, who know the area well can participate in the small contracts,” said Masing after receiving a courtesy call from 30 DUB Kapit members at his office this morning.
He added that that contracts worth RM200,000 and below will be nominated to class F contractors by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) with the advice of district office and Public Works Department.
Masing, who is Baleh Assemblyman, reiterated that the supplying of school rations have been given to a few big contractors from outside of Kapit, which has deprived the local small contractors of their livelihood.
“The issues they brought up were: to give chances to DUB Kapit Branch to do small contract works befitting their classes. As of now most of the jobs are given to people from outside Kapit,” he said.
Additionally, Masing who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, urged the Rural Water Supply Department to allow DUBS Kapit Branch contractors to participate in laying of water pipes.
Masing also hoped that the renewal of class F among DUBS Kapit Branch members could be expedited so that they will not lose the opportunities to participate in taking up any contract.-DayakDaily
