KUCHING: Land acquisitions by the government are necessary for development of infrastructure and utility projects for the people’s benefit.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan explained that development projects by the government were meant to provide direct benefits to the people to uplift their socio-economic status.
“The government does not take land for free, but it is based on the existing provisions in the State Land Code (Chapter 81) and Article 13 of the Federal Constitution in which no one can be deprived of his property except in accordance with the law and no laws can provide for acquisition or usage of property without adequate compensation.
“All land acquisitions will be compensated based on the assessment by the Land and Survey Department (JTS). The compensation rate is assessed based on the crops, building structure and land size according to the current values,” he said during the presentation of compensation cheques for Matang High Level Reservoir Kuching project at the Waterfront Hotel on Thursday (Oct 7).
His text of speech was read by Assistant Minister of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal, and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais.
Citing the Matang High Level Reservoir Kuching project as an example, Awang Tengah said the presentation of compensation cheques illustrated how the people support and acknowledge the government’s good intentions by giving their cooperation for a better future.
A total of 32 compensation cheques valued at RM24.6 million were presented to 24 recipients whose properties were affected by the project.
The project involves the construction and completion of a water reservoir to supply water to Northern Kuching areas.
It also involves upgrading of the booster pump station in Matang and Batu Kitang water treatment plant (WTP), piping systems and other related works.
Awang Tengah pointed out that the project was carefully planned to meet the increasing demand for water supply in the Kuching division especially in Santubong, Buntal, Bandar Baru Semariang, Petra Jaya, Kampung Rampangi, Pasir Pandak, Demak Laut, Kampung Bako, Muara Tebas and Senari Port.
“This project is part of the Sarawak Water Supply Grid programme, a brainchild of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, to resolve water supply issues effectively and comprehensively in the state.
“The government aims to overcome the state’s water supply issues by the year 2025,” he said.
