KUCHING, July 5: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has granted a total of RM43.3 million for various projects in Sg Asap.
This includes six projects costing RM14 million to improve treated water quality at Sg Asap; RM1 million for piping from meter to house, and RM9 million for the first phase of feeder road leading to their farms.
Abang Johari also announced RM2 million for the repair of roads in Penan Lusong Laku; RM7.3 million for resurfacing of Belaga and Asap town roads and RM10 million for the construction of Borneo Evangelical Church and Theological Centre in Sg Asap.
Announcing this during his visit in Belaga today, Abang Johari said this is part of the state government’s initiative to find solutions to pressing development issues affecting the people in certain areas in the state.
During his visit, the chief minister was also briefed by officials from Department of Land and Survey, the Rural Water Supply Department and Public Works Department.
Among the issues discussed were the longstanding problems on land, water supply and roads in the Sg Asap area and efforts to solve them.
Abang Johari also visited the new RM65 million water treatment at Sg Koyan to solve the long-standing water problem in Sg Asap.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said Abang Johari had taken the approach of hitting the road to solve the problems of the rural people.
“Just in one visit, he solved many long standing problems of the people of Sg Asap.
“(For example) The Bakun settlers were asked to pay their respective lot land premium. It was arranged that it should be deducted from their compensation after they resettled.
“Now the Sarawak government will reimburse them. The total is RM2.3 million.
“The Chief Minister could not waive it but he has agreed to find ways to pay it, instead of deducting it from the compensation to be paid to the people,” said Masing, who is also Infrastructure Development and Transport Minister.
Also present was Utility Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi. — DayakDaily
