KUCHING, Feb 5: Shelve planning for the new Padawan Municpal Council (MPP) building and use the allocation to improve the existing drainage system, says Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong pointed out that instead of spending RM60 million of Sarawak taxpayers’ money to build MPP’s new office building, the funds should be better spent on improving the drainage and irrigation system in areas under MPP’s jurisdiction.
“The Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and the MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang should get their priorities right.
“At present, one of the most pressing problems faced by the people which the MPP should address is the flash flood and flooding issue, not to have a new council building,” Chong said in a statement today.
According to Chong, within MPP’s jurisdiction are many earth drains which should be replaced with reinforced concrete drains.
He asserted flash flood problems are getting worse by the day with the rapid housing and commercial development within MPP’s jurisdiction and the council’s allegedly poor drainage planning.
“Therefore, Dr Sim and Lo have got their priority wrong by prioritising the building of a new council building over improving the drainage system in the MPP area.
“I wish to remind the two of them, the hallmark of a good government is not the grandeur of its building but the quality of its service to the people,” he added. — DayakDaily
