Sarawak PKR tells Adenan not to forget Betong

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, April 20, 2015: Sarawak  PKR welcomes an additional allocation of RM500 million for rural development in Sarawak, saying that  it is a very good step in advancing the  rural folks.

"I note that Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem specifically mentions that the money is for building of roads, piped water supply and electricity supply in the rural areas across the state.

"Our Chief Minister's priorities of road, water and electricity infrastructure -  the three major needs in rural areas -  hits the mark precisely and this shows he has his finger on the pulse on the ground and is fully aware of the hardships faced by the people," Sarawak PKR information chief Vernon Aji Kedit (left) said in a statement.

" I, therefore plead with  Adenan to please firmly put his foot down and ensure that those deserving of roads, water supply and electricity receive what has been promised to them time and time again but until today nothing has materialised," he said.

Citing examples, Vernon said the Spak Road and the Ulu Padeh Road which were promised since 40 years ago have yet to see the light of day.

"These two roads alone will provide access for over 40 longhouses in Betong whose residents either have to walk for hours to get to Betong town or who have to pay fees to hitch rides on 4WDs which traverse the dirt tracks dug out by the residents themselves," he added.

Another glaring example, he said, is six homes along Jalan Layar whose longhouse, Rumah Mallang, Lubau, was destroyed in a frew three years ago.

The residents, he said, have build individual homes along Jalan Layar near the site of their burnt longhouse and have applied for Rural Electrification Scheme for electricity connection to their homes but until today, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) cannot assist as there is no further instructions from the authorities.

"Thirdly, a longhouse at Stambak Ulu Asal where out of 20 doors (bileks), only eight were given piped water supply by JKR while the other 12 doors can only apply for piped water on the condition that each tuai bilek (family head) meets with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu anak Numpang to ask him personally to connect water supply.

"All these outstanding cases are glaring examples of how some Barisan Nasional representatives have sidelined certain people for reasons best known to themselves," said Vernon, who is also the PKR Betong Division chief.

He pleaded with the chief minister to look into this matter personally and divert some of the RM500 million towards Betong, especially those who have been marginalised.

"I am certain there are more such cases in other parts of Sarawak and it is my firm believe that this is the time that our chief minister can show his empathy with the poor and marginalised and right the wrongs committed and omitted all these years by Barisan Nasional representatives," he said.