KOTA SAMARAHAN: The establishment of the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) is expected to coordinate infrastructure development in rural areas and avoid duplication in project implementation.
Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the establishment of the agency will also provide better focus on development within its area of jurisdiction.
“So, we will coordinate all development and activities that give emphasis to infrastructure development such as roads, water, electricity, telecommunications and so on.
“This includes the development of traditional villages, Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) and Resettlement Scheme (SPS), especially in my area (Belawai),” he said.
He said this at a press conference after handing over the Bumiputera Communal Reserve Gazette at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre, here on Monday (Jun 20).
The Kuala Rajang assemblyman added that the elected representatives (members of parliament and assemblymen) have certain allocations for development purposes in their respective areas.
“Because of that, the establishment of an agency like RADDA is crucial as it can help in coordinating infrastructure development and avoid duplication of projects.
“Therefore, with the announcement of the establishment of RADDA, God willing, we will also be able to develop the economic sector and more,” he said.
On the demarcation of the area under RADDA, he said he was unsure, adding that additional discussions must be held to avoid uncertainties.
“However, according to my understanding, this may involve many areas in Mukah – from Selalang Tanjung Manis to Balingian. Although Selangau is in the Mukah area, it may be under the auspices of other agencies.
“So far, we are not sure and it also needs to be discussed with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
“The discussion is important so that we can know clearly about the boundaries of the bodies and agencies that have been established so that we can perform our duties well,” he said.
Abang Johari had earlier announced that the Sarawak government has agreed to set up RADDA and the Betong Development Agency to coordinate better development under the agency’s area. It also covers the areas of Daro, Bruit, Mukah and Jemoreng.
He said the matter was implemented following the successful establishment of the Ulu Rajang Development Agency (Urda), Highland Development Agency (HDA), Samarahan Integrated Region Development Agency (Irsda) which focus on development under their respective areas.
