LAWAS: Work on the first phase of the RM16 million Sundar Waterfront and Hawkers Centre as well as the RM40 million Rimbunan Hijau Sundar-Awat Awat pilot project will begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said a public park would complete the transformation of the sub-district’s landscape and economic activities.
“This is a holistic approach of development in appreciation of the people of Sundar, who are staunch BN (Barisan Nasional) supporters in every state and parliamentary election,” he said during Sundar’s Aidilfitri gathering on Friday.
He said the government is focusing on the economic development components of the Sundar-Awat Awat Rural Growth Centre with the Rimbunan Hijau pilot project to spur local resource-based economic activities and housing for participants.
The project will trigger economic activities and improve skills as well as business know-how, with 100 selected participants ready to move into the houses and participate in the activities lined up.
Participants for the tailor-made hydroponics and aquaculture projects will initially be paid RM1,000 for the first six months.
This monthly pay will be the start of their direct involvement in income generating activities under the public-private sector initiative involving the Prime Minister’s Department, state government and Iris Corporation.
Aquaculture, livestock breeding and other cottage industries will also be stepped up to boost the income of participants.
The sub-district produces Tahai products which are marketed statewide in Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and Brunei.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah called on the people to remain united and support the state BN under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and give him a resounding mandate in the next state election.
He said Sundar folk together with other Sarawakians are benefiting from Adenan’s people-centred policies, which have an emphasis on rural development.