LIMBANG: The RM1.5 billion allocated by Sarawak government for the implementation of 165 projects in this division should accelerate the development and improve the quality of life of its people.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan says the bulk of the funding is meant for infrastructure projects under the Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) within the 2019-2020 period.

“The Sarawak government has approved RM1.5 billion under NRDA – RM841 million for infrastructure projects, RM160 million for upgrading of schools, and the rest for water and electricity supplies, agriculture, livestock and tourism (projects) in Limbang and Lawas districts.” he said in officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony yesterday for the RM35-million road project upon which completion, would connect Kampung Pendam to Kampung Ipai here.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang who is also a NRDA board member, NRDA director Ubaidillah Abdul Latip, Deputy Limbang Resident Sebi Abang and Limbang District Officer Superi Awang Said were also present.

Awang Tengah, who is also Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development said, many agencies were involved to ensure successful implementation of the projects.

“NRDA is a strategic step taken by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg to focus on resources that need to be developed based on the strength of Sarawak.

“It is to ensure systematic development to be implemented in the affected areas so as to reduce the development gap between the urban and the rural areas,” he said, adding that Sarawak would continue to source revenues from other sources in enabling it to reach out to the target groups.

At the same time, he said more coastal roads would be built, including in Limbang and Lawas.

“For the project to upgrade the 13km coastal road from Kampung Ipai to Pendam, a total of RM35 million has been spent. The works are expected to reach completion in July, 2022.”

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah said the RM10-million project to connect the Rural Water Supply Department (BALB)-managed pipeline from Mekasing/Ukong Junction to Medamit should reach completion by this October.

He said upon completion, the pipeline would provide clean water supply to the communities in Medamit town, SMK Medamit and surrounding areas.

 
Source : The Borneo Post