KUCHING: The construction of road and other basic infrastructural facilities will facilitate and speed up development in Telang Usan and Marudi divisions and adjoining areas such as Subis and Beluru.
This was pointed out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas when he spoke about the signing of contracts for eight Highland Development Agency (HDA) infrastructure projects in Ulu Baram.
Uggah, who is chairman of HDA, said the contracts constituted a clear manifestation of the government’s policy on rural development.
The contracts were signed between Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recorda) chief executive officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni and contractors of each project, namely, Kendiri Emas Sdn Bhd, Samling Sdn Bhd, Gasing Gemilang Sdn Bhd, Juara Bertuah Sdn Bhd and Tereca Bina Sdn Bhd.
“The building of roads will not only enable the people to travel easily, but they will help open up socio-economic opportunities for them,” he said at a press conference after witnessing the signing ceremony at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) here yesterday.
He said the roads and basic facilities/amenities implemented by HDA would become key enablers to those who develop land for commercial agriculture and other economic activities.
“This is an aspiration of the government through SCORE to drive rural development that could create jobs and various economic opportunities.
“This will help uplift the socio-economic status of the rural people and eradicate poverty,” he said, adding that having jobs in the rural areas would reduce rural-urban migration.
He said the state government had allocated RM1.5 billion to implement projects in HDA areas, adding that there were 41 infrastructure projects consisting of roads, and supplies of water and electricity within two years.
According to him, the locations of the projects were determined by the local communities with the help of their assemblymen and members of parliament.
“I hope that the people in HDA areas, particularly those areas where projects are implemented, would give their full co-operation and support to the government agencies concerned and the contractors on the ground.
“I also want to urge all HDA contractors to give prioritise employment and business opportunities for the local people who are capable,” he said.
The development projects, specifically those in Miri, Marudi and Telang Usan are to be implemented on fast-track basis.
The tendering of HDA road started since August last year with eight projects inviting open tender. The road will benefit 20 settlements.
