No hike in assessment rates, Kota Samarahan folk assured
KUCHING: There will be no increase in assessment rates next year for residents and businesses under the jurisdiction of Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (KSMC).
Its chairman Datuk Peter Minos said despite having the right to hike up the rates, the council would not be doing so in view of the downturn in the economy.
“As a new municipal council, we do need more money to improve infrastructure and services like roads, street lighting, as well as rubbish collection, but due to the economic downturn we have decided that there will be no increment in assessment rates for 2017.
“However, we cannot promise for 2018. What we can promise is to continue to develop Kota Samarahan,” he said in his opening remark at an appreciation dinner for KSMC staff at Waterfont Hotel here on Friday.
On the preparations to upgrade to municipal council as declared by the chief minister on Nov 11 this year, Minos commended the staff of KSMC, especially secretary Simon Wong, for their tremendous efforts and dedication to attaining that goal, despite not having enough manpower.
“I must say that with only 50 staff, we managed to look after Kota Samarahan quite well. I held various posts elsewhere before, but I think KSMC is the best in term of staff organisation. To all of you here, keep up the great work,” he said.
Minos said as a municipal council, KSMC had expectations from all quarters – both the government and public – to do its best.
“As you know, Kota Samarahan is a very beautiful place with two universities, one teachers’ college, one technical institution and a host of government agencies. But we are still facing many challenges in addressing a number of issues such as traffic problems, and we are lobbying for a hospital and the landscape master plan.
“We have to look for money (to address all these issues),” he added.
Meanwhile, Minos called for all councillors and local community leaders to attend the opening of the Batang Sadong bridge by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today.