Delayed project: Uggah give assurance; three more coming

DALAT: Significant development is on the cards for the constituency with three key projects now in the design phase and another which has been hit by delays.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said an allocation of RM90.5 mil has been approved for the construction of the Kampung Medong Seberang/Kampung Kekan Seberang Road.

Reflecting on his visit to the site with Dalat assemblywoman Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, he empathised with the frustrations of the locals, as the construction had faced prolonged delays.

But he remains optimistic, pointing out that the tender for construction works would be issued no later than early January next year.

“This is a delayed project. Initially, there was funding only for the construction of a bridge in this project. So what is the bridge for if there is no road?,” he lamented.

He was officiating at the Waterfront Phase 1 upgrading project and closing of the Dalat Besaug Festival at Dalat Waterfront on today (Dec 10).

Uggah (forth left) when officiating at the event on Sunday (Dec 10). Also seen are Fatimah (third left) and Royston (fifth left)

On the same note, Uggah said the preliminary design of the Kampung Kekan Seberang/Kut Muara/Sungai Pinang/Bungan Besar/Rassau Road project is underway.

This state project, part of the 12th Malaysia Plan, aims to shorten travel time from Dalat to Sibu to about one hour through an alternative route from Rassau.

Additionally, he said the Dalat Waterfront Phase 3 project, with a value of RM4.964 mil is also in the design stage while the Galeri Warisan Melanau 3 project, valued at RM14.5 mil is progressing with the appointment of a consultant.
 
“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is truly committed to ensuring the improvement of the lives of the people in Sarawak, especially in rural areas, so that tomorrow will be better than today.
 
“Therefore, the Premier has determined that 63 per cent of the 2024 development funds will be allocated for rural areas, including Dalat.
 
“This is the policy that we have announced. The GPS government does not want the people to be left behind in comparison to other states,” said Uggah who is the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development.

In light of this, he urged the Public Works Department (PWD) officers to demonstrate unwavering commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of these projects, emphasising the need to resolve any issues promptly to avoid delays.
 
Fatimah who is Women, Childhood, and Community Well being Development Minister meanwhile expressed gratitude for the government’s responsiveness to local needs.
  
She said the people of Dalat have high hopes for the completion of all these projects.
 
As for the festival which was last held in 2019 in Oya, it attracted an impressive participation though the Dalat Waterfront facilities are still under construction.
 
Also present were Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine and Mukah Resident Kueh Lei Poh.