The landowners and officials, together with Awg Tengah (centre), give the thumbs-up after the presentation ceremony.
BINTULU: The Sarawak government has paid out RM1,419,160.34 in compensation to 181 individuals for their land acquired for three infrastructural projects in Belaga.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan presented 197 cheques to the affected landowners and 62 land ownership letters to 55 individuals whose land had been surveyed under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code, in Belaga yesterday.
The three projects are the construction of a road to Uma Sambop involving 28 landowners with payment of RM267,449.90, Bakun Bypass Road affecting three landowners (RM27,540.20), and the upgrading of Belaga-Menjawah road involving 150 landowners (RM1,124,170.24).
“The presentation of compensation cheques shows the government’s good intention and caring attitude,” he said.
He said all rural development projects are meant to benefit the people including good road connectivity.
“For example, before the construction of Belaga-Menjawah road, Belaga could only be reached by river transportation,” said Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister of Urban Development and Resources.
He said the Belaga-Menjawah road is the main access road to seven longhouses, namely Rumah Nyaving, Rumah Apan, Rumah Long Mitik, Rumah Long Segaham, Lahanan, Kajaman and Makahei.
He said the infrastructural facilities would enable the state government to uplift the socio-economy of the Belaga folk through agriculture.
He thus thanked all landowners for their support and cooperation.
Assistant Minister of Utilities (Rural Electricity) and Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, Kapit Resident Nyurak Keti and Belaga District Officer Juan Ubit were also present at the function.