RM137.2 mln for infrastructure, flood projects

SIMUNJAN: The visit of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak here brought joy and excitement to the people as not only did they get to see him in person; he also announced a total of RM137.2 million for the much-needed local infrastructure and flood mitigation projects.The projects, which have been approved by the federal government are the upgrading and widening of Gedong-Simunjan road (RM123 million); upgrading of the 8.5km Kampung Patung-Simunjan road (RM9 million); flood mitigation along Sungai Simunjan Lama (RM3 million), and RM2.2 million for the electricity supply to eight villages in Gedong-Simunjan area.

The funds for the flood mitigation project, however, would be channelled in two stages – RM2 million this year and RM1 million in 2011.

Speaking at a gathering near the town centre yesterday, Najib said the Barisan Nasional (BN) would always give priority to the welfare of the people under the ‘1Malaysia – People First, Performance Now’ concept.

“BN will always fight for the people. I can assure you that the future will only get better. For your support, you deserve all the development projects here.

“We will see big changes soon. I assure you that it is the BN’s vision that the rural areas in the state have proper infrastructural facilities and utilities,” he said.

Najib also assured them that with their continuous support, Malaysia would develop tremendously, especially the rural areas.

Amazed by the huge crowd that welcomed him, Najib said it showed that the BN government was close to the people’s heart.

“I am very grateful for the great response of the people today. I understand that some came as early as 11am and some came as far as Serian.

“The multi-racial crowd today shows that Sarawak is united in diversity.

“The people respect each other. No matter where we come from, we are bound by the 1Malaysia spirit. The state is a true reflection of it,” said Najib.

Simunjan assemblyman Mohd Naroden Majais, who spoke earlier, recalled that Najib visited Simunjan in 2006 as deputy prime minister during the then state general election.

When he proposed a few projects urgently needed here Najib approved them on the spot.

He also pointed out that about 200 houses had to be relocated to Kampung Baru due to the erosion of Sungai Simunjan Lama.

Hence, according to him, a channel project could help mitigate the problem.

Due to the severity and scale of the problem, Najib was taken to inspect the embankment and flood mitigation project site where he was also given a briefing.

Upon arriving here, Najib spent about 45 minutes greeting the people who thronged the town to see him.

Prior to coming here, he visited Saratok and Lachau.

After that, he proceeded to a dinner function at the State Legislative Assembly complex.

He was escorted by the Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, and a number of federal and state cabinet ministers.