by Amanda L
KUCHING, Dec 3: Sarawak has spent RM21.8 billion under its Alternative Funding (AF) initiative to accelerate major infrastructure projects, with more than 70 per cent of the approved works already completed.
Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the funding model was introduced to ensure that strategic projects could proceed without delays while safeguarding the state’s strong fiscal position.
“The mechanism has enabled Sarawak to advance critical infrastructure, expand rural accessibility and strengthen regional connectivity.
“1,586 projects fall under the AF initiative. Of these, 1,127 projects, or 71 per cent, have been completed, while 459 projects are at various stages of implementation,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech at the Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting, today.
Uggah said several major undertakings are progressing, including the construction of the coastal road network and the Second Trunk Road, key components of Sarawak’s long-term transport blueprint.
Other ongoing programmes include the Sarawak Water Supply Grid for stressed areas, the Rural Electrification Scheme, Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) and Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) projects across Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Northern Sarawak Development Agency (NRDA), the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), and the rollout of SMART towers and the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network to improve digital access in underserved communities.
He added that educational facilities, including Sarawak International Schools, are also being developed through the AF model.
“The initiative is helping Sarawak leapfrog its infrastructure development, positioning the state to attract investment, grow its economy and strengthen competitiveness in the years ahead,” he said. —DayakDaily
