Engage with public to ensure success of programmes, councils told
MARUDI: Local authorities must work alongside the community to ensure that their projects and programmes are implemented successfully.
Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said that engaging the local community will result in a sense of belonging and ownership of each project or programme carried out by the councils.
“The most important thing is to do what the people want, not what we ( local authorities) want. So engaging the local community is very important.
“Programmes involving cleanliness, rubbish management, neighbourhood safety, vandalism prevention and addressing social ills would be more effective is the public is roped in to work hand-in- hand with us,” he said when gracing an appreciation dinner organised by Subis District Council’s ( SDC) welfare and recreation club, in Miri recently.
At the same time, Penguang also called on the public to play their part and not solely depend on government agencies.
On the Star Rating System for Sarawak local authorities, he said five local councils achieved fivestar rating, nine with four stars and 12 others with three stars.
“I am confident SDC will achieve at least four stars in the near future,” he said in his speech.
Among those present at the event were Councillor Anuar Ahmad and acting council secretary Farrah Sofya Mohd Sharbini.