SPAOH: The Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) has approved a number of new projects costing a total of RM63 million, which will be implemented within this year.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said from the amount, a sum of RM33 million had been set aside to organise income generating agricultural activities.
“These will be based on modern precision agriculture such as fertigation and hydroponic. The appropriate training will be held for interested youths in due time,” he said.
Uggah, who is the Bukit Saban assemblyman said a 260-hectare site near the Bebuling short take-off and landing airport (STOLport) had been earmarked for precision farming.
“We hope to be a leading vegetable, fruit and food producer in the region with our various plans and programmes. For instance, I am also looking at introducing crawfish farming, a new activity full of market potentials here as well,” he said.
He was speaking at the a pre–Chinese New Year dinner gathering organised by the Spaoh Chung Hua Association group at the Spaoh Community Hall here on Friday night (Feb 2).
Meanwhile, the deputy premier said the Spaoh Waterfront would be extended with a sum of RM20 million allocated to accommodate more recreational, exhibition and food or trade fair activities.
Beside this, the new Spaoh market will also be expanded to include spaces for a night market and food court area, where it will cost about RM5 million.
“There is also the ongoing construction of more new commercial lots. When all these are done, I believe Spaoh will be a more vibrant and livelier town to live in and to visit,” he said.
On another note, Uggah said a haemodialysis centre costing RM5 million would be constructed near the Spaoh Health Clinic this year.
Once completed, he said, kidney patients can seek treatment at the clinic instead of going to centres in Debak or Betong which are crowded.
Similarly on health, Uggah said a site has been identified for a new clinic in the area. He said both himself and Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu is seeking federal funding for its construction.
He assured the people that they both would continue their best in bringing more development and progress to Betong.
At the function Uggah announced grants (inclusive of those from Dr Richard) totalling RM170,000 for various projects and programmes; which included RM80,000 for the Spaoh Chinese temple project and RM60,000 for the Spaoh Chung Hua Association.
Uggah later also presented ang pows to 46 senior citizens present at the dinner.
