THE Sarawak government has been urged to act in overcoming the issue of manpower shortage in implementing Rural Transformation Projects (RTPs) in the Meradong constituency.
Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing (GPS-Meradong) explained that the projects had suffered a bit as far as implementation is concerned.
He stated that it was mainly due to the lack of manpower for the implementation by relevant agencies.
“For example, all Public Works Department (JKR) engineers in Sarikei, have been redeployed to JKR Central Region office in Sibu and this has affected the swift implementation of RTP projects in Meradong.
“Therefore, I would like to urge the state government to take steps to overcome this issue.
“Aside from that, the relevant authorities are also urged to look into the process of appointing the contractors to ensure quality and fast Implementation of projects at all times,” he said when debating in support of the Supply (2023) Bill 2022 that was tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
On another note, Ding also proposed that the Premier approve another ‘Projek Rakyat’ for the construction of 55 ‘Rumah Spectra Permata’ houses in Kampung Malaysia.
“Kampung Malaysia is a multiracial resettlement scheme near Jambatan Merah Meradong and to date, there are no low or medium cost housing in my constituency.
“If this project can take off, it will benefit people of various races in Meradong.”
In his third proposal, Ding stated that as the number of government servants increases, many of the existing government quarters are getting run down.
“Hence, it is vital that a sizeable amount of allocation be made available to improve or renovate the government quarters or even to construct new government quarters in Meradong, so as to provide comfortable lodging.”
On the Sarawak Budget 2023, he explained that Sarawak is projected to collect RM11.035bil next year, the highest ever revenue projected thus far.
“This reflects the relative achievement in boosting the state coffers to enable the Sarawak government to table, yet another development biased and people centric budget in six consecutive years.
“A sum of RM10.797bil is budgeted for 2023 and from this, RM3.997bil is for operating expenditure while, a sum of RM6.8bil is for development expenditure.
“Out of the total development expenditure, 60 per cent or RM4.540bil will be for development in rural areas.
“The is a holistic budget cater for people from all walks of life and cover a wide range of strategic thrusts and initiatives from creating employment and business opportunities, longhouse loan and affordable housing scheme, electricity and water supplies coverage, developing agropark and permanent food production zone, and many more,” he added.
