KUCHING: All Sarawak bridge projects costing billions of ringgit are tendered out on open tender basis, assured Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Lobbying for the projects are out of the question in line with our quest towards transparency and good governance,” he said at the State Civil Service Day held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
“Soon to be launched are the Batang Saribas Bridge, Batang Krian Bridge, and Batang Paloh Bridge.
“The Batang Lupar Bridge costing about a billion ringgit will also be tendered out very soon,” he said.
He added that only a few weeks ago, the construction of Batang Rambungan Bridge was launched and previously the Kuala Kemena Bridge and Batang Lasa Bridge had also been launched.
Abang Johari said that these bridges were among the missing links of the coastal highway which was vital for unlocking the potential of Sarawak’s coastal areas, especially for food production.
The chief minister emphasised that integrity went beyond being non-corrupt and free of abuse of power.
“The people will judge our integrity and credibility based on our ability to ensure that the projects we promised are delivered according to the budget and on time,” he said.
According to him, the State Development and Coordination Committee had already been formed to ensure that all projects approved under 2020 Budget and 2019 Budget were implemented and would be completed as scheduled.
“Our ability to plan development programmes and run our economy in a structured and forward-looking manner should also reflect our integrity as public officials.
“Civil servants are not just employed to warm their seats or just waiting to be instructed but are expected to help plan and implement development programmes for the benefit of the people,” Abang Johari said.
He said that problems, technical or otherwise, may crop up during the implementation of projects.
“We must be adept at troubleshooting and seek expeditious ways to make necessary rectifications and make up for any loss of time.”
Touching on good governance and lessening the burden of the people especially the low-income group, the chief minister said the state government was mindful of the cost of connecting a service line from the home to the main electricity line.
“It may cost RM5,000 to RM10,000 or even more. There is no way for a poor family in the kampung to afford such an amount unless through government assistance such as the Rural Electricity Scheme (RES),” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that the state government would cover the cost of connecting a service line up to RM5,000 and if the cost surpassed RM5,000, only 30 per cent of the excess would be charged.
“It is also good governance to ensure that the people are given what they rightly deserve,” he said.
He also said that the state government was studying strategic areas to develop affordable housing for civil servants in response to the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) Sarawak’s request.
