KUCHING: The Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) is seen as a “game changer” in driving balanced and sustainable development across 10 state constituencies under its jurisdiction.
The agency’s establishment, which reflects the Sarawak government’s strong commitment to ensuring that development is not only concentrated in urban centres but also reaches rural and semi-urban communities that have long awaited improvements in infrastructure and public facilities, is being hailed as a far-sighted initiative.
According to GKCDA Special Administrative Officer Dato Ik Pahon Joyik, GKCDA plays a crucial coordinating role by bringing together elected representatives, government departments and implementing agencies under a single development framework.
This approach, he explained, allows projects to be identified, planned and executed more efficiently without duplication or delays.
“The GKCDA provides a focused platform to streamline development planning and implementation.
“With proper coordination, we can ensure that the needs of the people in all 10 constituencies are addressed in a more systematic and impactful manner,” he said.
The constituencies are Tanjung Datu, Opar, Tasik Biru, Serembu, Mambong, Tarat, Tebedu, Bukit Semuja, Kedup, and part of Balai Ringin.
Ik stressed that coordinated development is essential because it avoids duplication, ensures efficient resource deployment and provides a platform for elected representatives to directly address the needs of their constituents.
He noted that acting as a central coordinating body, GKCDA helps bridge gaps between community expectations and technical implementation, fostering improved delivery of services and facilities.
Beyond basic infrastructure, GKCDA and leaders in the 10 state constituencies recognise that long-term progress also depends on socio-economic initiatives that enable communities to thrive.
Their next step would be a shift towards fostering economic participation, livelihoods and quality of life improvements, once foundational infrastructure is in place.
Ik believes that the GKCDA initiative will be a “game changer” for the 10 state constituencies by laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, enhancing connectivity and catalysing community-driven development.
He said through strategic investments and closer collaboration between government agencies and local representatives, the agency’s work aims to ensure people in both urban and rural areas benefit from inclusive development and improved socio-economic outcome.
Ik emphasised that the ultimate goal of GKCDA, which is financially supported by the state government, is to create inclusive growth, reduce development gaps and ensure that every constituency under its scope moves forward together.
He is inclined to think that the funding for GKCDA will be sustained beyond the RM1.5 billion allocated earlier, adding the Sarawak Premier had already hinted that if all the money in the first phase had been fully used, they can submit an application for new funding to him.
