By Emily Ruran
SERIAN, Nov 10: Three villages in the Merbau area of Kedup have benefited from 16 development projects implemented between 2022 and 2026, including infrastructure works valued at approximately RM3.1 million.
Kedup incumbent Datuk Martin Ben said the projects covered Kampung Meboi, Kampung Junggu Mawang, and Kampung Batu Kudi, with improvements involving roads, drainage systems, community facilities, housing, and water supply.
He said the projects were carried out through various government funding allocations, with the involvement of implementing agencies including the Public Works Department (JKR) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
“We have implemented no fewer than 16 projects in this area over the past three to four years.
“The total allocation for these three villages amounts to more than RM3 million, approximately RM3.1 million,” he said during the Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat at the Kampung Meboi Multipurpose Hall here today.
The event also saw Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas officiating the development projects implemented across the three villages.
Martin said the State government had also distributed water tanks to the local communities, although their monetary value was not available.
Among the improvements, he said, was the installation of street lighting along a stretch of more than two kilometres from the Pan Borneo Highway junction towards Kampung Batu Kudi, funded through the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
He said the installation had improved visibility and road safety, particularly for residents travelling at night.
“The road is now illuminated from the junction to the village, providing greater comfort and safety for road users, particularly at night,” he said.
Martin said other projects included the construction and upgrading of community halls, village roads and concrete drains, alongside housing improvement initiatives.
He acknowledged that requests for further development continued to increase, prompting discussions with village leaders on the need to prioritise projects based on their urgency.
He said the government would continue addressing infrastructure needs in rural communities, although not all requests could be implemented simultaneously.
Also present were Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, Bukit Semuja incumbent John Ilus, and Tebedu incumbent Dr Simon Sinang Bada. — DayakDaily
