About RM72 mln to implement 151 rural transformation initiative projects

A SUM of RM71.637 million has been allocated to implement 151 rural transformation initiative projects through the Key Result Areas ( KRAs) groups on rural transformation, which is monitored by the cabinet committee.

According to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, who is also chairman of the cabinet committee, they had identified, proposed and implemented various critical intervention initiatives to fast-track the provision of basic utilities and amenities in the rural areas.

“Among the completed projects are the Cluster- Clinic System at Long Lama, mobilisation of 15

Among the completed projects are the Cluster-Clinic System at Long Lama, mobilisation of 15 Rural Clinic Visiting Doctor to cover 85 nearby clinics, and the repair and upgrading works on 13 dilapidated rural clinics.

Rural Clinic Visiting Doctor to cover 85 nearby clinics, and the repair and upgrading works on 13 dilapidated rural clinics.

“Other completed projects are the Sarawak Rural Electrification Scheme ( Sares) projects for 58 villages, namely at Ulu Skrang ( Lubok Antu), Ulu Pelagus and Bukit Mabong ( Kapit); flood mitigation projects at 63 floodprone areas throughout Sarawak; and the operationalisation of 87 1BestariNet (1BRIS) telecommunication towers involving 87 schools,” he said during his winding-up speech yesterday.

Masing also said the committee had just completed the survey works on residential lots, agriculture lots and home garden at Metalun Resettlement for the people affected by the construction of Murum Dam.

He added there are several initiatives being planned for implementation in 2018, which includes repair and upgrading works of 46 dilapidated rural schools at a total cost of RM21 million, and the formation of 10 Rural Clinic Visiting Doctor teams to cover 29 health clinics.

“Also in the pipeline for 2018 are the implementation of five Sarawak Alternative Water Supply Scheme ( Sawas) projects worth RM50 million to benefit 22 villages comprising 572 households, and Sarawak Alternative Rural Electricity Supply (Sares) projects to connect 54 villages at a cost of RM95 million to be completed in the second quarter of 2018.

In response to questions raised by Datuk Idris Buang ( BNMuara Tuang) on an alternative link road connecting Kuching and Muara Tuang, Masing said the government had proposed a Second Kuching/Samarahan trunk road with a bridge over Sungai Sarawak at Tanjung Bako under the mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan.

“The estimated cost is RM350 million,” he said.

On another matter, Masing revealed that the government is looking into the feasibility of having a Hinterland Border Security Road of about 780km long, an issue raised by Baru Bian ( PKR-Ba Kelalan).

He said the R1- standard road would be built along the SarawakKalimantan border from Betong all the way to Lawas with a preliminary estimated cost of RM12 billion.

Masing also said that Sibu Outer Ring Road had been submitted under the mid-term review of 11MP for consideration of the state government.

“The projects are the proposed widening of Jalan Oya from Jalan Oya/Jalan Pahlawan junction to Jalan Oya/Jalan Deshon junction, proposed new road linking Bulatan Aman and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, and the proposed new road linking Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah/Jalan Deshon/Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Deputy Chief Minister