KOTA KINABALU – Sabah representatives called on the state government to address issues of basic infrastructure when debating the state budget 2023 today.
Datuk Daud Yusof (Bongawan-Warisan), when speaking at the state assembly sitting here today, said it is unacceptable that there are still villages in his constituency without water and electricity supply.
He said several villages in Ulu Bongawan and Ulu Kimanis are relying on water from natural sources for daily use.
Several villages in the same area still do not have electricity supply, and even those with supply have frequent interruptions to a point that it has damaged their electrical appliances.
“It is because the existing electrical transformer does not have the capacity to supply the electricity in the area and is already over 30 years old.
“This should not be happening, as Sabah has been independent for so long.
“It is only reasonable that this allocation be used to provide villagers with basic infrastructure just like Sabahans in other districts,” he said, adding that the problem is not new.
Mokran Ingkat (Sg Manila-BN) told the assembly sitting here today that the people are still suffering from poor basic infrastructures, such as roads and water supply.
“I hope out of the total allocation (for development) of RM2.369 billion, more will be allocated to solve problems of basic infrastructure, especially to pave rural roads,” he said.
Mokran also urged the state government to speed up projects relating to water supply, such as the Tawau Water Supply Project, which is only close to seven percent completed, and the Kaiduan Papar Water Damp Project, which is currently still being studied.
He hopes that the government will be serious in ensuring these projects will be completed on time.
“I am not a fortune teller, but taking into account the rainy season that has lasted for three years, there might be a longer drought.
“In Sabah, a drought happens every 10 to 15 years, and we are in the cycle.
“At least with a dam that is planned and ready, we have water security that is sufficient for the use of the people in Sabah during drought,” he said.
Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin (Nabawan-Bersatu) also urged the Sabah government, especially the Works Ministry and Rural Development Ministry to ensure smooth implementation of maintenance works and development of basic infrastructure.
“Basic infrastructure and facilities, especially roads, sewerage system, and public facilities must be managed well, particularly to avoid the impacts of natural disasters such as landslides and floods,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jonnybone Kurum (Telupid-PBS) welcomed the RM794.8 million allocated for repairing and upgrading of basic infrastructure in rural areas in the Sabah budget for next year, but urged for speedy implementation.
He said the allocation would be useful to maintain and repair water treatment plants in Sabah, and the RM360.19 million allocated to the Public Works Department to implement high-impact projects is desperately needed by the people.
“This allocation will be used to fix and construct roads and buildings, as well as to ensure smooth traffic management and road safety in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
“But this has to be implemented as soon as possible,” he said. – The Vibes, November 28, 2022
