By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, March 18: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang hits out at special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong for targeting MPP when the RM60 million project is only one of many government’s project implemented in Sarawak.
According to Lo, the RM60 million MPP new complex funded by Sarawak government would not only house the council’s administrative offices but also to meet the needs of the general public.
“The new complex will include an indoor sports facility, community hall, an auditorium, a public library equipped with a coffee outlet and more importantly, the new council will have a garden park with both running and cycling tracks for the general public.
“The government is set to improve not only infrastructure but also the quality of life for all Sarawakians who appreciate development,” he said.
Lo said this in response to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen special assistant Michael Kong’s statement during a press conference held via Zoom session at his office in MPP building in Padawan today.
On March 9, Kong opined the Sarawak government should allocate much needed funds towards improving basic infrastructure and especially to resolve flooding issues in the city rather than giving RM60 million to construct a new complex for MPP.
Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, noted apart from MPP, other district municipalities namely Miri, Serian and Lawas municipalities would also have their own new building and facilities which cost millions too.
“Following Kong’s line of logic, he would have to write to all these government authorities and every other authority in every district to stop development and use the funds for drainage. If not, I suggest he plays fair and stop targeting MPP,” added Lo.
Meanwhile, touching on the flooding issues, Lo said the Sarawak River Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) to address flood issues in the city is expected to commence next year.
He said the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has acknowledged the importance of the PLSB to solve the flood woes in the city and has launched the massive drainage system construction in Sarawak, particularly in the area of Kuching and also greater Kuching which involved Batu Kawa and costing approximately RM8 billion.
At the same time, Lo continued, PLSB was also exploring a RM150 million short term solution to the flood problem in Kuching and Samarahan by devising technology plus storm water management system.
“But what happened after Pakatan Harapan (PH) won the election in May, 2018? All these previously approved funding for the flood mitigation projects were either delayed or cut. Because of the delays caused by the PH government, PLSB had to start afresh and design is now in progress and construction can only be expected to commence next year,” he added.
Lo assures the State Planning Authorities (SPA) is working together with Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) in the planning and mapping the city drainage system for flood mitigation purposes.
“DID under the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Dato’ Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian has the following projects in the pipe line and these are the Sg Semongkok flood mitigation canal, the Sg Paroh flood mitigation canal costing RM2.2 billion and the Kuching City urban drainage at RM600 million (Year 2000 figures),” he said. – DayakDaily.
