PWD spends 90% funds for development

KUCHING: The Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) has achieved an impressive 89 per cent utilisation of its development expenditure last year.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the department’s development expenditure is one of the highest among various ministries and departments.

“In 2021, PWD Sarawak’s development expenditure performance was at 67.46 per cent, and it slightly rose to 68.16 per cent in 2022. I am proud to announce that in 2023, our expenditure was ranked among the highest, reflecting the strong commitment of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) and PWD to fulfill their duties to the people.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (right) shaking hand with participants of JKR Sarawak High Performance Team 2024 on arrival at the closing ceremony. Photo: Ramidi Subari

“The allocated funds are expected to enhance infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, schools, and hospitals. These projects need to be implemented efficiently,” he said during the closing ceremony of the PWD Sarawak’s High-Performance Team Retreat at Damai Lagoon Resort yesterday (Jan 27).

Uggah, who is also the MIPD Minister, set a target to fully utilise the RM799.5 million allocated to the ministry this year.

He assured that the ministry would facilitate effective communication and collaboration, acting as a bridge between the department and the ministry and coordinating with the state financial secretary and the Premier.

“We are committed to incorporating AI and machine learning in our research and development efforts to drive transformative change,” he said.

The retreat, from Jan 25 until today (Jan 28), gathered 192 senior officers from various branches and divisional offices of PWD Sarawak.

MIPD Deputy Minister Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and State PWD director Richard Tajan were also present at the event.