Gedong development master plan
KUCHING: The Gedong development master plan will be implemented over the next five years, bringing development not only to Gedong but also the areas of Simunjan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, and Lingga.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the plan, which involves significant allocations, would certainly transform the economic circumstances of the communities in those areas.
“For Gedong, I will be with Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais (former Gedong assemblyman) and colleagues to implement the plans which we have identified.
“God willing, it will be realised in five years’ time. I believe that Gedong and Simunjan will be strategic locations on the route which we will build up until Sebuyau,” he said at the Gedong appreciation dinner held at Imperial Hotel here on Tuesday.
He revealed that a lab was held recently, consisting of senior government officials and leaders of Gedong, to look into the direction of Gedong, Simunjan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Samarahan, Sebuyau and Lingga.
“This involves how we are going to develop this western region of Sarawak. We want to transform the economic circumstances of the people in these areas,” said the Gedong assemblyman.
Abang Johari said there were development plans for Lingga, including the agricultural area of Banting which had been identified as a rice producing area.
“We will improve Lubok Punggor and the paddy cultivation areas. As I have mentioned, we want to develop a water line costing RM30 million in this area. Although it is quite a large expenditure, let us do it well so the agriculture sector can be elevated,” he said.
He added that he had approved an allocation of RM76 million for the construction of a road from Samalatong, Ulu Gedong directly to Gedong.
He said the state government was also planning the construction of a major road in Asajaya along with a new administrative centre after the Samarahan Bridge.
“This road will connect Serian to Gedong, Simunjan, Asajaya, part of Sadong Jaya, on to Sebuyau and up to Lingga,” he said.
“God willing, with the unity of the people, I as the people’s representative will continue to strive to develop Western Sarawak, also not forgetting the Central Sarawak and Northern Sarawak areas,” he said, while calling for strong support from all elected representatives to work together for the future of the state.
On another matter, Abang Johari expressed his gratitude to all parties – including Naroden as well as party leaders and the election machinery in Gedong – who had worked hard during the recent 12th state election (PRN-12), contributing to his victory in Gedong.
“Not only victory in Gedong, but Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) won 76 out of 82 seats in PRN-12.”
Abang Johari acknowledged that the victory came hand in hand with the challenge of managing the state well.
“To me, this is a trust and also a challenge, whether we will be able to maintain this record in the future. I believe we can, but we have to work hard,” emphasised the chief minister.
