‘Belaga folk frustrated by lack of devt’
The reason why they are so upset is because they have been hoping for better things to come after they agreed for two mega (hydroelectric power, or HEP) dams to be built there but till today, Belaga is still very much lacking in basic infrastructure like treated water and electricity (supply).
KUCHING: The people of Belaga, led by their community leaders, have planned to hold a demonstration to express their disappointment over the government’s lack of attention to the district, reveals Assistant Minister for River Transportation and Safety Liwan Lagang.
However, he advised them to calm down as he would bring their frustration up to the relevant authorities.
“The reason why they are so upset is because they have been hoping for better things to come after they agreed for two mega ( hydroelectric power, or HEP) dams to be built there but till today, Belaga is still very much lacking in basic infrastructure like treated water and electricity ( supply),” Liwan, who is Belaga assemblyman, told The Borneo Post here yesterday.
He emphasised that the Belaga folk had been very supportive of Barisan Nasional ( BN), which
Liwan Lagang, Assistant Minister for River Transportation and Safety
was the main reason why they were really frustrated by the slow pace of development in the district.
“We have been crying for better roads, water and electricity (supply) for the people there but until now, the only road that we have leading to Belaga town is a ‘Jiwa Murni’ road (one built by the Army) which is often affected by heavy rain,” he said, referring to the latest incident of soil erosion which made the MejawahBelaga Road impassable for motorists.
Liwan also the pointed out that the RM150-million compensation for water from the Bakun HEP dam annually could be channelled towards the development of the district.
“It ( RM150-million) could be used to build better roads for Belaga District. Now that we are proposing the construction of the 130km Belaga-Nanga Merit Road to be built under ‘Jiwa Murni’ programme, the money could be used to make a better road – not just one that is built for the sake of accessibility like the present ‘Jiwa Murni’ road from Mejawah to Belaga town,” he said, urging the Public Works Department (JKR) to take over the ‘Jiwa Murni’ road project and upgrade it into a higher- quality road.
Equally frustrated was Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, who said the people of Belaga had been very patient with the government.
“However, the people have their limits; we hope that the government would take urgent steps in bringing the necessary development to the people of Belaga, as they deserve. After all, they have been so cooperative by letting the government build two mega HEP dams (Bakun and Murum) that have helped the state attract billions (of ringgit) worth of projects.
“Now even Belaga town is still not connected to the grid system; it is still depending on diesel-powered generator sets. So it’s high time for Belaga town to have better facilities,” said Ugak.
When contacted, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said he had been informed of the request made by both Liwan and Ugak.
“JKR Sarawak is assisting in the matter,” he said.