Nanta hands over compensation to a landowner. Jamit is on his right.
KAPIT: A total of 239 owners here received compensation of about RM6.085 million for their land from the Land and Survey Department on Wednesday.
The land was acquired for the construction of the RM3.54 million Jalan Nanga Menuan-Nanga Setepus (18.5km) and RM2.5 million Jalan Nanga Ibau-Ulu Sungai Ibau (11.5km), Batang Rajang.
Kapit member of parliament Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat presented the compensation on behalf of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
In his speech, Nanta explained the government acquired the land for development purposes for the benefit of the people.
“The government never acquires land for free. Land acquired is duly paid for according to current market value by the government through the Land and Survey Department,” he stressed.
He recalled that the road projects were announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in April 2017 during the latter’s visit here.
“It isn’t easy to bid for funds, especially for mega projects involving a big allocation. But Abang Johari, only three months after he became Chief Minister, paid an official visit to Kapit and made the announcement to construct roads.
“This is testimony that Abang Johari is a fair leader looking after the needs of all Sarawakians regardless of urban or rural folk. The setup of Urda – Upper Rajang Development Agency – saw an allocation of RM1.5 billion for 2019 to 2020 for infrastructure and amenities development, prioritising road construction to improve rural networks, electricity, and water supply,” he explained.
Nanta also pointed out that approved government projects cannot be completed within a day.
“All government projects must be carried out strictly; adhering to scope of works and specification. People must be patient with ongoing projects.
“There are people who abuse social media to belittle the good works of others; making nasty comments saying there is no development. I would like to ask them what good have they done for the people. If they don’t do good or contribute towards society, don’t belittle others. If they are sincere, come to meet us, together we can make it right,” he added.