MUKAH: The construction of the new airport here is going on smoothly and on schedule, and the local people are already looking forward to the coming of bigger aircraft.
Disclosing this yesterday Works Minister Baru Bian said he was briefed on the airport during a meeting with federal officers and the office of State Public Works Department (PWD).
“Like the people of Mukah, I am also very happy that the project is on course and we might see bigger planes coming here in the near future,” he told reporters at a press conference in a newly launched Mukah PKR Branch Service Centre.
“However, I was not told about the completion date of the project.”
Another matter that he touched on was the lack of accommodation in this town for federal government servants.
“During the briefing at the Federal building, I promised that I would take the matter seriously. I asked them to write a letter to the relevant authority. I am sorry that a similar problem also affects Lawas,” he said.
The minister also expressed dismay when he was informed that Mukah is the only division in the state whose hospital is without a specialist family doctor.
In response he agreed that such a specialist was very important and that the problem should be addressed.
On the Pan Borneo Highway project, he said it was progressing well.
“Of course, there is a slight delay of about one to six percent at certain areas, but as a whole, it is progressing well,” he said.
Regarding the proposed SMK Balingian, Baru said RM66.3 million has been allocated for its construction.
“We are always very concerned about education facilities including dilapidated schools in the state,” he said.
About Igan Bridge and other two others, he said they had been differed and will be reviewed once the funds have been made available.
“Of course, as a Sarawakian, if the government has the means, I would like everything addressed for the prosperity of our people. I know how is it to be in need because I grew up in poor rural area,” he said.
