SIBU, April 2: Sibu Municipal Councillors have been told to ‘turun padang’ (go to the ground) to serve the public better including keeping track of the government’s projects.
“As the third tier of the government, by going to the field in your respective zone, you will know what the public needs. In return the council can address the need for the future through your policies, planning, and regulation,” said Deputy Premier of Sarawak Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian at the swearing-in of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) councillors here today.
Dr Sim said the community not only needs to know their elected representatives’ phone number but also the councillors’.
With the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan in the pipeline, Dr Sim who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, said the councillors need to be well-versed on this mammoth project.
“Sibu in the next few years (will see) the planning of Sarawak’s single largest development project (Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan) which involved master planning such as building houses, drainage, and all these things.
“The project involved large funds and land. Hence, it takes time, but Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) has signed the project with an international consulting company. The project will be on board soon.
“I hope the councillors not only know (about all the project) but catch up with it,” he said.
Separately Dr Sim said it has been proposed that SMC’s own building be equipped with facilities to serve the community
“Hopefully (SMC building will be) like Miri where you can go to the top floor of the building and you can see all the fantastic views of Miri City.
“We want people to come to the local council not only to pay fines and taxes. You are part of the people and that what is important,” he said. — DayakDaily
