The development in rural parts of Sarawak, especially in Meluan, has to be accelerated as fast and as effectively as possible to ensure the rural people to enjoy facilities that are at par with those in the urban areas.
“The proposed budget of RM10.797 billion with a surplus of RM238 million for next year has shown our consistent fiscal discipline.
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government continues to be rural development-biased and has allocated RM4.540 billion or 60 per cent under the Sarawak 2023 Budget for rural development,” said Rolland Duat Jubin (GPS-Meluan).
He said this today (Nov 24). in support of the Supply Bill (2023) and Motion to Refer to the Development Budget Resolution for 2023.
He added that the people of Meluan were growing impatient with the naked telecommunication towers in their areas.
“I hope the relevant authorities will take actions to install the towers with antennas and other equipment to connect the people with the digital world.
“Apart from that, I am very happy that Pasar Julau is now connected with fibre optic high speed internet. I hope this can be extended further up to Nanga Entabai,” he added.
Rolland also pointed out that most pepper farms and oil palm smallholding had very poor road access.
He requested for special Farm Road Development Fund not only for Meluan but the whole of Sarawak.
“Lately, the Sarawak Land Development Board has carried out Farm Road projects.
“Unfortunately, I was told that the fund available is very limited and, therefore, I propose that more funds be given to it.
“In Meluan, I hope at least RM5 million can be allocated annually for this purpose,” said Rolland.
Furthermore, people-centric projects must be given utmost priority and the delivery must speed up, he said, adding that the people’s representatives had done their jobs to ensure there were allocations for projects in their respective areas.
“The implementing agencies, especially the Public Works Department (JKR), must upgrade themselves with necessary capacities and capabilities to ensure all approved projects are delivered according to schedule.
“On the other hand, more autonomy or empowerment should be given to the JKR Divisional office, especially in Sarikei, to ensure effective implementation of people- centric infrastructure projects.”
Rolland added that more authorities should be given to the JKR divisional office.
He proposed that some projects be implemented through state agencies like Sarawak Land Development Board or LCDA as some projects were too small for JKR which was overloaded with projects.
