BDDA approves RM63 million worth of projects up for implementation in 2024 — Deputy Premier
KUCHING: The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) has approved a total RM63 million worth of projects to be implemented this year, said its chairman Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas UggahEmbas.
He said a sum of RM33 million of the amount had been set aside to organise income-generating agricultural activities.
“These activities will be based on modern precision agriculture such as fertigation and hydroponics.
“The appropriate training will be held for interested youth in due time,” he said when speaking at a preChinese New Year dinner gathering hosted by the Spaoh Chung Hua Association on Friday.
Adding on, the Bukit Saban assemblyman said a 260hectare site near the Bebuling Short take-Off and Landing Airport (STOLport) had been earmarked for this precision farming.
“We hope to be a leading vegetable, fruit and food producer in the region with our various plans and programmes.
“For instance, I am also looking at introducing crawfish farming, a new activity full of market potential, here as well,” he said.
Uggah further revealed that the Spaoh Waterfront would be further enlarged through a funding of RM20 million.
“We want it to be more spacious to accommodate recreational, exhibitions and food or trade fair activities.
“Besides this, the new Spaoh market will also be expanded to include spaces for a night market/food court area.
“This expansion programme will cost us RM5 million,” he said.
Uggah also spoke about the ongoing construction of more new commercial lots, which upon their completion, should make Spaoh a more vibrant and livelier town to live in and visit.
Also present was Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, who said the people of Betong Division, including those in Spaoh, were fortunate to have an experienced and peoplecentric leader like Uggah.
“We are now seeing a number of positive changes in Spaoh town and more are coming. We must strongly support Uggah and his team in charting out new changes which will benefit us all,” he said.
Uggah later presented ‘angpow’ (cash packets) to 46 senior citizens present at the dinner.
The Deputy Premier also announced grants, inclusive of those from Dr Richard, totalling RM170,000 for various projects and programmes, including RM80,000 for the Spaoh Chinese temple project and RM60,000 for the Spaoh Chung Hua Association.