KAPIT: Eighteen landowners whose properties are affected by four projects undertaken by the Ulu Rajang Development Agency (Urda) received compensation totalling over RM280,500.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also Kapit Member of Parliament (MP), presented the cheques to recipients during a ceremony held at Song community hall here yesterday.
Nanta said the compensation was for native customary rights (NCR) lands involved in the implementation of Jalan Nanga Makut/Nanga Engkuah Katibas Song project.
“An area of 16.87 hectares involved in the project comprises 16 lots of NCR lands and the payment will be distributed in stages,” he said in a statement.
The project started in October last year and expected to be completed by December next year would benefit residents of 20 longhouses, three schools, two Health Clinics and two Agriculture substations in the area.
Nanta said the implementation of the infrastructure project was one of the efforts of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to provide facilities to the people.
“The state government is committed to providing infrastructure facilities to the people to help improve their standard and quality of life.
“Besides that, the construction of this road is one of the efforts of the Sarawak government to further boost development and socio-economy in Kapit and Ulu Rejang areas,” he added.
Urda, which is placed under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), will focus on developing Kapit, Belaga, Bukit Mabong, Song and Kanowit districts comprising an area of 38,000 square kilometres or one-third of Sarawak.
Nanta, who is also the deputy chairman of Urda, said that although the road project would be carried out on a ‘fast-track’ basis, the state government would not compromise on quality to ensure the safety and comfort of the people.
“The Sarawak government will always strive to implement quality development for the wellbeing of the people, especially in the rural areas. This is in line with the state government’s aspiration to make Sarawak a developed state by 2030,” he explained.
