By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 18: The Sarawak government cannot keep covering for the federal government by delving into its own reserves when providing basic infrastructure, like drainage and irrigation, is the latter’s responsibility.
In stating this, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor explained to a netizen that flood mitigation projects come under the federal government’s funding.
“That is why sometimes it is quite difficult. We have applied for a few projects, and they answered that the Sarawak government has a lot of reserves and money, so there is no need.
“That should not be an excuse. What Sarawak has, Sarawak’s reserves are out. What they should give us is our entitlement,” said Wee during the 155th ShallWeeTalk live-streaming session on social media.
He said this in response to the netizen who expressed their view that the Sarawak government should cover the costs of the flood mitigation projects to expedite their implementation.
Wee clarified that for projects that fall under the federal government, they must channel the funds to Sarawak to implement the projects.
To him, there should be no reason for the federal government to withhold the funds, especially for projects which have been approved.
He called on the federal government to release the funds for the Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department to commence the RM150 million Kuching Flood Mitigation projects as soon as possible.
There was widespread flooding in various parts of Kuching due to continuous rains from 5am to 11am this morning.
Complaints of floods and the explanation of Kuching Flood Mitigation projects became the main topic of discussion during today’s ShallWeeTalk live-streaming session. — DayakDaily
