SERIAN, Feb 21: Construction of the new 13.5-kilometre access road to Kampung Prangkan and Kampung Bugu in Serian costing RM18.6 million must be completed within the stipulated period to avoid budget cuts for rural development projects totalling almost RM1 billion.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang has insisted on this during a visit to the project site last Friday (Feb 17).
The Kota Samarahan MP was also briefed by the project engineer that the problematic part of the project involving the relocation of the water supply piping system and several other technical issues have delayed the project which is only 13.69 per cent completed presently, compared to the 20.57 per cent scheduled.
Implemented under 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), construction work on the project started on Jan 13 this year and is expected to be completed by March 12, 2024.
The project will benefit a total of 2,400 residents from four villages namely Kampung Prangkan Mawang, Kampung Prangkan Marung, Kampung Bugu Mawang and Kampung Resak, including staff, teachers and students of SK St Philip Bugu.
It will also boost agricultural activities and facilitate the transport of produce which is being and will be cultivated by the local people.
Deputy Minister of Regional Development, who is also Kedup assemblyman, Martin Ben, Serian Division Resident Selamat Jati Yanjah, Serian District Officer Lim Hock Meng, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Sarawak director Mohd Syafiq Anas Abdullah, and community leader Kenedi Suntong were among those present. — DayakDaily
