By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, June 6: Homeowners in Rejang Park affected by long-standing sewerage issues are urged to come forward to claim reimbursements for toilet repairs they paid for out of pocket.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Minister for Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said the Sarawak government has approved financial assistance for 320 homeowners who bore the cost of repairing toilets after the collapse of a centralised sewerage system built in the 1970s. The system failed after over four decades of use.
“The problem persisted for more than 10 years. The centralised sewerage system, constructed in the 1970s, collapsed after 40 years, rendering toilets in homes and shoplots unusable and raising serious hygiene and public health concerns,” he told reporters during a site visit to Rejang Park on Thursday (June 5).
Rejang Park, developed in the late 1970s, relied on a centralised system that connected all toilets to a treatment plant near the market.
Tiang recalled applying for RM3 million in funding from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in 2018 to resolve the issue.
Although the sewerage upgrade project has since been completed, many homeowners had already undertaken repairs at their own expense prior to the aid. Some later submitted claims, noting that others had received financial assistance.
After a detailed technical review, Tiang again sought and received approval from the Premier to provide reimbursement to the remaining 320 eligible homeowners.
However, verifying and locating all claimants has proven difficult.
“The local Kapitan is doing his best to trace all 320 homeowners, but complications include untransferred property titles due to deceased owners, homeowners living abroad, and some being reluctant to engage due to scam fears,” he explained.
To address this, the Pelawan assemblyman has been personally visiting homes to provide reassurance and validate claims.
While the reimbursement amount will be announced later, Tiang stressed that identifying all eligible recipients is the immediate priority.
He urged affected homeowners to contact the SUPP Pelawan Service Centre and bring their MyKad, land grant, and latest assessment bill for verification. — DayakDaily
