KUCHING, April 1: The Sarawak government has extended Dato Peter Minos’ term as Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman for another two years, effective today.
After leading MPKS for the last seven years, he said one of his most fulfilling moments was working with the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak and the contractor to solve traffic jam issues in the Kota Samarahan area.
“MPKS is duty-bound to help out in solving this thorny problem. We could not allow road users to continue suffering from massive daily traffic jams.
“By November, the traffic lights at the roundabouts will be completed, and the horror of traffic jams in the area will be a thing of the past,” said Minos.
He said the next big task is to ensure the waste-collecting contractors fulfil their duties of collecting waste thrice a week in the town area and twice in the village area.
The council, he said, will be strict in enforcing and monitoring waste management, where it will also look into how the service may be improved, stressing that there is no compromise on the matter.
Meanwhile, on the modernising and expanding of Asiajaya town, the construction of a one-mile boulevard of plants and flowers and the building of Desa Ilmu Lake Recreation are among some of the projects which the council will undertake to improve the lives of Kota Samarahan residents.
Similarly, MPKS will continue to pursue the construction of its RM55 million new headquarters, which has been long delayed.
“The present MPKS building is too small to cater for the staff, which has now doubled in its number,” said Minos.
He said Kota Samarahan is expanding fast. Presently, it is already an education hub, and it will soon become a medical hub with the presence of a heart centre, cancer centre, anti-infectious centre, and biodiversity centre.
Apart from that, Kota Samarahan has also been identified as the very first area in Sarawak to be served by Autonomous Rapid Transport (ART).
Welcoming all these latest developments, Minos said MPKS would assist wherever and whenever its services are needed.
During the swearing-in ceremony, which was witnessed by Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Deputy Premier, Minos told the 16 new councillors and MPKS staff to work hard for the development and betterment of the area under MPKS.
“Do not be satisfied in fulfilling the traditional duties of grass cutting, waste collecting, desludging, street sweeping, and grass cutting.
“MPKS must do more. We must help other government agencies. We must be friendly with the private sector, which builds housing, malls, shops, etc. Respect and cooperate with the private sector. They are our strategic partners,” said Minos.
He said it would be a hectic next two years and urged all councillors and MPKS staff to do their best to bring about the most benefits for the residents of Kota Samarahan. — DayakDaily
