By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 25: The RM55 million Balai Ringin new township project is set to be tendered out this year, according to Deputy Minister of Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
He highlighted that the project is among several key developments planned for the constituency.
“We also have several ongoing projects under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), including road upgrades and tar-sealing works in Melikin (RM5 million) and Kampung Nyelitak (RM3.5 million).
Additionally, two other road upgrading projects, including bridges in Kampung Sabal Tapang and Kampung Tapang Lebat, have already been tendered out,” he said in a press release following an event to present minor rural project (MRP) grants to the Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs) and Women Bureaus at his service centre in Balai Ringin recently.
Snowdan also provided an update on the RM130 million treated water supply project from the Slabi Water Treatment Plant in Serian, which involves pipe-laying and the construction of high-level water tanks in Melikin and Sabal. The project has commenced and aims to improve water accessibility in these areas.
Furthermore, GKCDA has allocated RM6 million to upgrade agricultural roads across 20 villages, with each kampung receiving RM300,000. These projects, implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, are expected to ease transportation for farmers, facilitating better access to their farms.
During the event, Snowdan, who is also the Balai Ringin assemblyman, distributed RM958,000 in Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants to Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs) and Women’s Bureaus.
“These funds are meant to support community activities such as gotong-royong, sports, youth engagement programmes, festive celebrations, and small financial aid for children’s education,” he said.
He urged recipients to use the grants wisely and ensure proper record-keeping.
“I leave it to your committees to decide how best to allocate the funds according to your needs, as long as they are used responsibly and with transparency,” he advised.
Snowdan also reminded village chiefs and JKKK committees to keep their communities informed about government assistance.
“I often receive calls or messages from villagers who are unaware of these grants. It is crucial for leaders to communicate and ensure everyone stays updated on available aid from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government,” he said.
Most importantly, he called on community leaders to maintain unity and foster cooperation with government agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of development projects. — DayakDaily
