KUCHING, September 1: About RM8.7 million in funding from Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) will be channeled to the state for road resurfacing and drainage improvement in the Batu Kawah area this year.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the allocation will be utilised to resurface 36 roads, as well as the rebuilding and maintenance of 22 roads and drainages.
The resurfacing of 36 roads will cost RM2.26 million, while the improvement of drainages along with 22 other roads would cost RM6.5 million, added Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president and Batu Kawah assemblyman.
These projects will be implemented by Padawan Municipal Council, Drainage and Irrigation Department and state Public Works Department, and there will be a proper tendering process, he continued.
“Some of these projects are already on-going while others will be carried out soon. To be more efficient, we will do the worst areas first and proceed in stages, from one area to another,” he said during a press conference at SUPP Batu Kawah office today.
Also present were SUPP central committee member Tan Kai, who is also a political secretary to the Chief Minister, SUPP Batu Kawah chairman Fang Jee Khin, deputy chief Lim Ah Ted and women chief Voon Shwu Phin.
Dr Sim added that the allocation from Marris will complement the RM5 million of the rural transformation programme (RTP) fund allocated to each state elected representative.
Marris fund is allocated specifically for the improvement and upgrading of roads. Last year, about RM8 million was allocated for the upgrading of 65 roads under the same funding, he continued. — DayakDaily
