Work on treated-water project in Mongkos to start soon
SERIAN: Work on the longawaited treated water supply project for Mongkos area is expected to start this June, said Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He revealed this project, costing RM114 million, is included under the 11th Malaysian Plan (11MP).
He, however, did not mention when the project would be completed although he did state folks in Mongkos would finally get to enjoy treated water soon.
“This is the benefit of good ties between our Chief Minister and Prime Minister and good relationship between state BN and federal BN,” he said when launching the Rural Electricity Supply ( RES) project for Mongkos at Balai Babuk Barum in Kampung Bunan Gega yesterday.
Awang Tengah was responding to a remark by Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, who had hoped the project could be completed in the next five years.
Martin, who spoke earlier, said villagers living along Mongkos Road, Terbat Road and Mentung Merau Road – who are now depending on gravity- fed water system – had been clamouring for treated water to their homes.
On RES, Awang Tengah said close to RM53 million of RES projects involving 2,378 houses had been implemented in Kedup constituency from 2009 to 2015.
This figure included the latest one costing RM3.99 million and involving 257 applicants from Mentu Mawang/ Pondok, Bunan Gega, Bunan Punuk and Mujat.
This is the benefit of good ties between our Chief Minister and Prime Minister and good relationship between state BN and federal BN.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Public Utilities Minister
After being informed by Martin that seven remaining villages in Kedup had yet to be connected to the electricity grid, he assured these villages would be included in the next planning by the ministry.
“RM2.5 billion has been allocated for RES projects in Sarawak, including an additional RM500 million to build hydro dams and solar hybrid to generate electricity in remote areas.
“Sarawak is big; therefore, we need more allocation so that we can extend electricity either linked to grid or through alternative system.”
On another matter, Awang Tengah called on the constituents to support Martin in the coming state election, and he urged them to reject Peninsula-based parties, whose struggles are not suitable for Sarawak.
“I know Martin for a long time. We were together in PBB Youth. I am glad he had taken over from his late father to serve the people here.”
Meanwhile, Martin said almost 95 per cent of the 115 villages in Kedup were now enjoying 24-hour electricity, thanks to the RES.
“Most of the constituents in Kedup are involved in farming. I hope you utilise the utilities and infrastructure to achieve sustainable income in years to come.”