SIBU: The state government has identified a piece of land in Kemunyang covering an area of 212 acres to be developed into housing lots.
Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the land would be developed to house extended families including residents of Kampung Hilir and Kampung Datu.
The area had the capacity for about 1,400 house lots to be developed under the 11th Malaysia Plan, he said when officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony at the project site in Kampung Datu Baru yesterday.
Abg Johari, who is also Tourism Minister, said the state government started the Kampung Datu Baru project to provide housing lots and affordable houses to meet the needs of Kampung Datu and Kampung Hilir residents.
“Land Custody Development Board (Pelita) is responsible for providing basic infrastructure while Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is responsible to build 33 affordable housing units. This will be increased to 60 units depending on the needs of people in the area,” he said.
According to him, a total of 137 housing lots would be given to the eligible residents.
He said infrastructure work had been completed while the construction of 33 housing units would start middle of this year.
“The purpose is to build Kampung Datu Baru as a modern settlement that is orderly and sustainable. It also aims to create a home environment that is conducive, safe and healthy.
“The provision of lots and housing units will be given priority to the people affected by the fire tragedy in Kampung Datu recently,” he said.
Abg Johari said the fire victims who had land titles but could not afford to build new houses would be given priority in the provision of lots and housing units.
For the extended families, he said the government would provide affordable housing units at a new area in Mile 11, Oya Road, called Nangka Baru.
“It is a mixed development area complete with basic facilities such as surau and community hall.
“A selection committee has been formed to screen applications of eligible residents of home lots and houses units in Kampung Datu Baru,” he said.
In terms of prices, Abg Johari said the government would ensure that house prices were set at affordable level according to the ability of the applicants.
He said the government would establish a 10-year moratorium on the housing units which meant the houses could not be re-sold.
“If the house is sold after 10 years, the owner is required to reimburse the government the amount of subsidy,” he added.