KAPIT: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Jemut Masing who is the chairman of Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) yesterday commended Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg for giving a huge allocation amounting to RM1.472 billion for development projects under URDA.
Of the RM1.472 billion allocation, Ngemah receives RM101 million; Machan gets RM120 million; Pelagus gets RM212 million; Katibas (RM210 million), Bukit Goram (RM158 million), Baleh (RM307.5 million), Belaga (RM180 million) and Murum is given RM183.5 million.
“Initially CM approved RM1 billion, however we discussed again and found that the budget was not enough and bargained for more as we gave focus on important development like utilities such as road and water supply for the benefit of the people.
“Baleh has a bigger allocation when compared to Kapit, Bukit Goram, Murum, Pelagus, Belaga, Song, Machan and Ngemah with about RM308 million. This was because our CM has visited those areas during his walkabout tour and announced several millions worth of development projects. But for Baleh, it does not benefit from CM walkabout and that is why Baleh receives more,” explained Masing at the opening of the Development Briefing Under URDA held at Kapit Civic centre yesterday.
He disclosed that all URDA development projects are from the state government and was hopeful that the people are not confused on the matter.
Meanwhile Masing who is Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation was pleased to note that majority of the elected representatives under URDA were present to at the briefing that shows that they really want to be sure that URDA really works and he expressed his confidence that given time this will make URDA a very important area in corridor of development not only in Sarawak but also in the whole of Malaysia.
He was also pleased with all the participants at the briefing that comprise not only the government officers but also the community leaders who are the grassroot leaders and frontliners who make things possible.
“Because if only the decision makers alone are taking part it will not work very well because the grassroots will not understand what we are planning to do, and where we are going. Therefore the community leaders must come in. They will be the frontliner about development and for that I am very pleased that RECODA also invited them to take part in the briefing. This is a bottom up approach to provide opportunities for the people of this area to have a voice in determining their future in line with Sarawak’s vision.
“This is what we are going to do and the decision makers and those in power to decide where we are going, what are the priorities and that is very, very important,” stressed Masing.
Later at the function he presented away prizes to the winner of URDA logo designing competition Andy Wilson Anak Anderu with his motto ‘Reaching Beyond Boundaries’. With that win he took home cash prize of RM5000. Receiving consolation prizes of RM200 each were Deputy Resident Galong Luang, Collin Anak Jonathan Nyambong ,Yeong Ngie Kiong, Justly Jully and Christina Anak Anthony Blikau.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RECODA Datu Haji Ismawi Bin Haji Ismuni in his opening remark disclosed that the Chief Minister had announced a state government allocation amounting to RM1.472 billion for the development under URDA.
“Kapit will change with the accessibility of road and commercial agriculture is one of the signature projects. To ensure the smooth implementation of those development projects, we need the close cooperation of all the stakeholders and community as the project will be implemented within a period of two years from 2019 to 2020. Things must happen on the ground then,” he said.
He told that URDA was set up last year with a size of 41,000 square kilometres about a third the size of the state of Sarawak covering the upper Rajang areas comprising the districts of Kapit, Bukit Mabong, Belaga, and Song, part of Sibu division, namely, the district of Kanowit covering three parliamentary constituencies, namely, Hulu Rajang, Kapit and Kanowit and seven state constituencies, namely Ngemah, Katibas, Bukit Goram, Pelagus, Baleh, Belaga and Murum.
The setting up of URDA among others could help to balance the physical (infrastructures and amenities), economic and social development of the mid and upper Rejang areas, creating a competitive community to face the development challenges brought about by SCORE, accelerating the development of plantation, rural economy and eco-tourism sectors, creating job employment opportunities and enhancing the economic development of URDA operation areas.
It will also help to further speed up, accelerate and fast track the development of the mid and upper Rajang region.
Present at the briefing were Member of Parliament for Hulu Rajang Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang,State Legislative Council Members (ADUN) Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan (Katibas) Wilson Nyabong Ijang (Pelagus), Jefferson Jamit Unyat (Bukit Goram); Kapit Resident Joseph Belayong Punan; political secretaries to the Chief Minister Tapah Ata and Nicholas Kud iJantai, Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit, Bukit Mabong DO Douglas Pungga; Song DO Jackine Bte August) as well as Dos from Belaga and Kanowit, Walikota of Kapit District Council PhilimonNuing, heads of the various government departments and community leaders.
