By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, FEB 22: Miri City Council (MCC) has developed more than 40 open spaces into mini parks in the last five years with the financial assistance from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) State lawmakers.
MCC promised to continue to develop more mini parks in residential areas subject to fund availability.
MCC in a statement today said its priority areas of attention include providing conducive living environment in residential areas in the city such as converting more open spaces into mini parks and recreational grounds for the benefit of residents. This has been included in its current strategic plan.
The council pointed out that it would not be able to abruptly develop and convert all the open spaces, primarily vested under the council solely for maintenance (grass-cutting)-cum-upkeep, into mini parks and recreation grounds complete with playground facilities and landscaping in light of limited funds available for development each year, the statement read.
However, the council expressed its gratitude to the local assemblymen in Miri Division who have been assisting to source for funds under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) so as to create more mini parks in housing estates and kampung.
MCC named Minister of Transport-cum-Senadin assemyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting (Piasau assemblyman), Assistant Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development II (Entrepreneur Development) Dr Ripin Lamat (Lambir assemblyman) and others who have been assisting the council to source for funds under the RTP which has resulted in the implementation of more than 40 projects to develop open spaces into mini parks in Miri City over the past five years.
Apart from this, MCC annually allocates a fairly big sum for the maintenance, upkeep and upgrade of all the parks and playgrounds under its jurisdiction.
This also includes the maintenance of open spaces which have been converted into mini parks and playgrounds in the housing estates and kampung.
With regard to the open space at Lorong 14, Taman Delight as reported in local Chinese media, MCC said that it is possible to include the said vested land for further development subject to availability of funds.
It took note that there are several open spaces in Taman Delight and lately the council through funding under RTP, has developed three mini parks at Lorong 1A, Lorong 1B and Lorong 8 at the said residential area. — DayakDaily
