Funding will spur socio-economic devt in Urda areas, says DCM

THE Sarawak government has allocated substantial funding to provide basic infrastructure and amenities in the Upper Rajang Development Agency ( Urda) areas.

Deputy Chief Minister II Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is also Infrastructure Development and Transportation Minister, said this would enable these areas to catch up in terms of socio-economic development, as well as to facilitate more private investment into these areas.

“In order to implement all these basic infrastructure and amenities projects in the Urda areas, the Sarawak Regional Corridor Development Authority ( Recoda) will engage professional services from consultant firms of various disciplines,” said Masing in his ministry’s winding- up speech yesterday.

According to him, Urda covers an area of more than 41,000 square kilometres, bigger than the state of Pahang.

However, he added, the area is still lagging behind in terms of development, especially basic infrastructure and amenities like roads, water and electricity supply.

By taking into account the number of projects and the large areas to be covered, at least 32 consultant firms would be involved in the implementation of these projects, Masing told the august house.

Therefore, the allegation made by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen that only three consultant firms had been appointed for the projects was untrue, he stressed.

“Furthermore, the consultant firms to undertake these projects have not been appointed and are still undergoing the process of selection. I wish to make known here that projects under Urda are not undertaken by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation ( MIDT) and Jabatan Kerja Raya (Public Works Department, or JKR) Sarawak – but by Recoda; hence, to allege that MIDT or JKR is involved is not true,” said Masing.

He further said it is mandatory for the authority to get the involvement of civil and structure consultants, Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) consultant, survey consultant and Road Safety Audit consultant, and as such, it is not possible for Recoda to appoint only three consultant firms.

Masing said to ensure good governance and transparency, all Urda projects would be awarded based on open tender.

On another note, he expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak government for approving RM1.5 billion for the implementation of development projects in the Rajang hinterlands, under the Urda initiative.

These projects, focusing on road network, treated water and electricity supply, would cover the state constituencies of Baleh, Ngemah, Machan, Pelagus, Katibas, Bukit Goram, Belaga and Murum, he added.

“These people- centric projects are indeed a game changer in the transformation of affected areas, which will indirectly enhance connectivity and outstanding economic growth in various sectors in the coming years,” he pointed out.