Abang Johari (third left) with (from left) Huang, Julaihi, Len, Masing, Yusuf, Ding and others give the thumbs-up to the proposed bridge for Sungai Pasi/Sibu/Tanjung Manis road.
BINTANGOR: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday announced an allocation of RM531 million to implement urgent infrastructure projects to facilitate the transformation of Meradong into a major food production centre.
He said it is part of efforts to turn Sarikei Division into the state’s food basket.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the launching of Sejiwa Senada outreach programme organised by the state government at Bintangor Town Basketball Stadium here yesterday.
Of the amount, RM81 million is for upgrading the treated water supply system to the whole of Bintangor area – laying of pipes from Jalan Bulat to Temadak Water Treatment Plant (RM30 million), laying of pipes from Temadak Treatment Plant to Bintangor (RM25 million) and installation of booster pumps (RM26 million), he elaborated.
He said the balance of RM450 million is for the construction of a road from Sungai Pasi near here to Sibu/Tanjung Manis coastal road which encompasses a 17km R3 standard road and a 1.28km bridge.
“As a special gift to the people of Meradong, I wish to announce here today (yesterday) that Sungai Pasi road to link up to Sibu/ Tanjung Manis will be implemented immediately,” he said.
He described the upgrading of the town’s water supply system as a short term measure to address water woes experienced by the people of Bintangor.
Thus, he wanted Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, who was present, to see to it that the project is implemented immediately.
Likewise, he wanted Assistant Minister for Coastal Road, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who was present to ensure Sungai Pasi to Sibu/Tanjung Manis road is implemented immediately.
He said he would take care of the long term projects such as the State Water Grid to effectively serve the whole of the state, referring to the proposed mega project estimated to cost about RM7 to RM8 billion.
Bakun, Merurum and Baleh dams would be the main source of raw water for the state water grid, he said.
Reiterating on digital economy as a way forward to transform the state, the Chief Minister believed that Sarawak could attain advanced state status by 2030 based on steady progress in implementation of infrastructure projects to facilitate realisation of the vision.
“Among others, we can enjoy high speed internet service in the next two years following the erection of more telecommunication towers with satellite discs to increase internet speed from five mega bytes per second (mbs) to 100 or 150mbs ” he added.
Among the state dignitaries present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Corporate Affairs) Abdullah Saidol, Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii and GE14 BN candidate for Tanjong Manis Yusuf Abd Wahab.