KUCHING: Special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong has called on the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) to engage with all the stakeholders and traders on the current progress of the Mile 7 Wet Market renovation.
According to Kong, many of the traders are left in uncertainty on the project implementation.
“Despite the announcement of the upgrading works, it is deeply regretted that there is no further notice or information from MPP.
“Till today, none of the traders is aware of anything other than what has been reported in the press,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page,today (March 2).
Following this, Kong said the situation creates much anxiety to the traders as they are left guessing over how their livelihood will be affected by the planned renovation and called for a discussion with MPP and all stakeholders so that a mutually acceptable plan for the renovation can be agreed upon.
“The government and its relevant departments, agencies and/or councils are there to help the people. As such, it is incumbent on them to be more upfront and transparent with the public to create a more inclusive society.
“The old ways of doing things unilaterally without any public engagement and which leaves the people in the dark should be a thing of the past,” he said.
Previously, it was reported that the renovation with a total cost of RM400,000 will take about five months to complete.
The scope of the upgrading works includes construction of a new shed, replacement of new awnings, replacement of new UPVC downpipes, demolition of broken tiles and replacement of new tiles, cleaning and repainting works of the whole market, removal of all dilapidated drain covers and replacement of new drain covers and bamboo blinds, supply of new three-blade 26-inch wall industrial fans and electric pest killers and new signboard for the market.