By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 29: Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) has identified over 442 potential projects amounting to over RM17.8 billion to be implemented in the area.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Urban Development and Natural Resources Datu Len Talif Salleh said these were the results of a series of meetings to draft a framework of development plans for Rajang Delta up to 2030.
“However, each development agency is only allocated initial funding of RM1.5 billion.
“So we will shortlist the priority projects and prepare a proposal to be tabled to the State Cabinet for approval by September.
“And we hope the implementation of the identified projects can begin by the early part of next year,” he said during the RADDA Development Plan Syndication Lab Dinner at Waterfront Hotel earlier tonight.
Len Talif, also RADDA chairman, further said that the two-day Syndication Lab was an extension from a three-day Lab at RH Sibu Hotel from Aug 1 to Aug 3.
He also mentioned RADDA would cover an area of 11,330km sq involving five federal constituencies — Mukah, Igan, Tanjung Manis, Sarikei and Julau; and 11 State constituencies — Kuala Rajang, Semop, Daro, Jemoreng, Repok, Meradong, Pakan, Meluan, Balingian, Dalat and Tellian.
Elaborating on the budget estimates for the 442 projects, 159 projects are of infrastructure development involving RM7.839 billion, followed by 137 social services projects (RM2.859 billion), 58 economy development projects (RM2.13 billion), 56 agriculture and agro-food industry projects (RM3.805 billion), and 32 utility and digital telecommunication projects (RM1.179 billion).
He also informed that RADDA has proposed that its office be set up on the 11th floor of the Tanjung Manis Administration Centre.
The Lab dinner was graced by State Secretary Dato Sri Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
During his speech, he informed that the State Cabinet would meet on Sept 29 to scrutinise the matter. — DayakDaily
