Lack of manpower, inexperience delaying implementation of RTP projects in Tasik Biru

Henry (standing, facing camera, left) greets guests dressed in traditional Bidayuh attire at the event.

By Jacob Achoi

BAU, June 30: Siting and design has always been the obstacles for Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects in Tasik Biru to be implemented on time.

In pointing out this, Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Maritime) Dato Henry Harry Jinep, said such problems arise due to the lack of manpower in implementing agencies and inexperience.

“For RTP (in Tasik Biru), some areas are slow and in some areas are fast.

“The delays particularly affect new projects and this is attributed to difficulty in siting and design works due to the lack of manpower of the implementing agencies.

“Even if there is enough manpower, they are not experienced and this has led to the delays,” Henry, who is Tasik Biru assemblyman told reporters today at the Kampung Serasot Gawai Dayak open house celebration here.

According to Henry, some of the projects were delayed for four years.

He also said that besides the projects under RTP, there were also projects in Tasik Biru under Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).

On the celebration, Henry said it was held to appreciate the contribution of the locals in terms of social, politics and governance.

“Such celebration, which I would say is a community event, is to allow the people to feel that they are one community,” he explained.

He added that such celebration is held on a rotation basis among the four zones—Singai, Jagoi, Brarak and the two villages in Serumbu constituency—of the Bidayuh community in Tasik Biru.

Also present at the event were Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and Engkilili assemblyman Johnichal Rayong Ngipa. — DayakDaily