KUCHING, Oct 7: The Sarawak government has paid RM24.6 million in compensation to 24 landowners affected by Phase 1 of the “Matang High-Level Water Reservoir and Associated Pipelines” project to improve water supply in Northern Kuching.
According to a news report from Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) today, the cheques were handed over to the landowners during a ceremony at a local hotel.
Assistant Minister of E-Commerce Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said the Matang High-Level Water Reservoir and Associated Pipelines project was the brain child of the Chief Minister to resolve water supply issues in the region comprehensively and effectively by 2025.
“The government is not taking the land for free, instead the land was taken under the existing provision of the State Land Code (Chapter 81) and Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, where all lands taken will be compensated for based on the assessment from the Sarawak Land and Survey Department in accordance with the current land value,” he said.
He noted, the project aims to meet the growing demand for water supply in Kuching, especially in the northern areas such as in Santubong, Buntal, Bandar Baru Samariang, Petra Jaya, Kampung Rampangi, Pasir Pandak, Demak Laut, Kampung Bako, Muara Tebas and Senari Port.
“Apart from improving the existing water supply system, the project is expected to boost the socio-economic status of the local community,” he added.
Also present were Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and other distinguished guest. — DayakDaily
