MCC says balance of waterfront project allocation to be used for related works

MIRI: Miri City Council ( MCC) has sought to clarify that the balance of funds allocated for the Miri Waterfront project is accounted for and earmarked for utilisation on other essential works related to the project.

In a statement issued yesterday, MCC explained that the Sarawak government had previously allocated a special development fund of RM10 million for the council to carry out various development projects and, after finalising the distribution of allocation, RM5 million was proposed and approved for the Miri Waterfront project.

“The actual Miri Waterfront project cost is RM3,800,460.14 which comprises three main components of expenditure – construction cost, consultant fees and capital contributions to service agencies such as Sarawak Energy Berhad, Laku Management Sdn Bhd and so on for proposed laying of services lines.

“The contract price ( tender price) for the construction works is RM3,222,317.75 and the selection of contractor was carried out in accordance with open tender procedure, of which the lowest tender was accepted,” said the statement.

It added that the balance of RM1,119,539 from the allocation given by the Sarawak government would be utilised for other essential works related to the project.

MCC was responding to a statement made by Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon on June 7 to Chinese local dailies, in which he questioned whether the balance for the project has been spent or allocated for spending.

Dr Ting said based on previous news reports, former Miri mayor Lawrence Lai specified that RM5.5 million was allocated for the project which ended up costing RM3.7 million, meaning there would be a balance of RM1.8 million.

Dr Ting had said that based on his understanding, the RM10 million allocation in 2016 was for the Miri Waterfront project ( RM5.5 million), Kampung Pengkalan Lutong ( RM500,000), Morsjaya Bazaar ( RM500,000), Miri Handicraft Centre ( RM2 million), Miri Green Community Hub ( RM1 million) and Tourism Forum/ MCC Apps ICT ( RM500,000).

(From left) Dr Bob, Ling, Dr Ting, Hii and a DAP member at the site of the Miri Wireless Walk. Hii and the DAP member are pointing at the fencing that visually blocks the cafes and restaurants from the view of the public.