KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) strives to be accountable to the local communities by playing a key role in community engagement towards building a stronger and more cohesive community.
“Besides providing municipal service, the function of the council now includes community development.
“Engagement with the local communities enables the council to carry out its functions more effectively,” said MPP Chairman Lo Khere Chiang during MPP’s 22nd anniversary celebration, held at MPP headquarters in Padawan, yesterday.
Lo said MPP would provide opportunities for the residents to involve and participate in programmes to shape their own community.
“Everyone wants a clean and beautiful environment. Hence the responsibility does not only rest with the local council, but with the people as well.
“People are more educated and civic conscious nowdays, and MPP shall tap on their capabilities and involve them in working with the council towards improving the environment and promoting good living,” he said.
He pointed that MPP strives to promote good governance through transparent leadership and remains sensitive to the needs, interests and aspirations of the various communities.
“Based on these strategies, MPP shall work towards achieving its vision of improving the quality of live of its residents.
“We will continue the close partnership between MPP, local communities and the staffs of the council in order to achieve this vision,” he said.
On another matter, Lo who is also Batu Kitang Assemblyman said MPP has implemented the Urban Poverty Eradication Programme (PPKB) since 2008 to help those in need to repair their houses.
He said MPP had repaired three houses in 2016 and another 23 houses in 2017, involving a total allocation of RM334,493 from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
“All the houses were repaired and handed over to the household heads within three month from the date of approval.
“For 2018, we received a total allocation of RM405,000 from the ministry to repair 27 houses, and all this would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our staffs,” he said.
Lo also urged the ratepayers to pay their assessment rates promptly as the council is dependent on the assessment revenue.
“Assesment rates are the major source of income of the council which is used to finance the council’s operating expenditure and for MPP, assessment rates contributes 60 to 70 per cent of the council’s total revenue.
“Therefore, I urge the ratepayers to pay their assessment rates on time, as the revenue is necessary for us to provide the services enjoyed by all residents,” he stressed.
