No more excuses for failing to solve water, electricity woes
LAWAS: The Sarawak government will not accept any more excuses from the authorities for failing to give priority to solving water shortages and power supply woes affecting schools and villages in Ulu Merapok.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has allocated RM169 million to upgrade the water reticulation system here in order to address the problem of leaking old water mains, a major cause of low water pressure.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said this when officiating at the opening of a motivation seminar for SPM and STPM students at SMK Merapok, organised by Sarawak UiTM Alumni Association, yesterday.
He said the federal government had failed to implement the RM2 million water pipe upgrading project, out of RM169 million approved for Lawas District, allegedly due to their doubts on pipeline alignment.
“I want these projects to be implemented without delay for all schools in Merapok,” he said.
Awang Tengah,who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneurs Development and Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, expressed his disappointment over the authorities’ failure to utilise RM2 million fund to address the problem.
“The excuse given was that they were unsure of the Pan Borneo Highway alignment, but I know where it is and they could have just referred to me, and go ahead to implement it.”
Pipeline routes need approval from the Land and Survey Department, which comes under his ministry.
Meanwhile, he commended the alumni for collaborating with UiTM in organising ‘Program Perkampungan Pelajar Dan Misi Akademik UiTM’ here to provide early exposure to rural students to the academic world, and motivate them towards path of excellence.
This has been held since 2005 in Kuching, Samarahan, Simunjan, Saratok, Mukah and Bintulu to assist students in Form 4 and 5 classes, and promote interaction with institutions of higher learning.
Awang Tengah said students must get out of their comfort zone to challenge themselves to overcome obstacles.
He said they were more fortunate compared to students in the past who had to go through many obstacles such as studying using kerosene lamps, and having to walk for miles to the school each day.
“We had to paddle, walk to schools, and our parents had to mortgage properties for their children’s education.”
He said despite the challenges, students of SMK Merapok must rise to the challenges and contempt victorious.
“Don’t be afraid of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects and this is now Industry 4.O era,” he said.
Limbang Resident Ahmad Denny Ahmad Fauzi, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Lawas District Officer Ladin Atok, and MITSA representative Wan Idris Wan Ibrahim were among those present at the function.