KAPIT: Development can only be strengthened when Members of Parliament (MPs), State Assemblymen and local leaders work together as one team, said Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said strong cooperation between federal and state leaders, together with grassroots communities, is crucial to ensure continuous development, especially in rural areas such as Kapit.
“Although my responsibilities as Minister of Works cover the whole of Malaysia, my commitment to the development of Kapit remains a priority.
“What is important is that development can only be strengthened when Members of Parliament, State Assemblymen, and local leaders work together as one team.
“Through this spirit of cooperation, many development projects have been and are being implemented in the Kapit Division, including roads, bridges, water supply, electricity supply, public amenities, as well as various RTP projects that directly benefit the people,” he said.
He said this in his official Facebook post after attending the ‘Leaders with the People’ programme at Rumah Seblie Anak Ngelai, Nanga Dap, Batang Rajang, here today.
The programme was also attended by Pelagus assemblyman, Wilson Nyabong Ijang, and Political Secretary to the Minister of Works, Datuk Alvin Runggah Jimbun.
Nanta, who has served as Kapit MP for more than 27 years, said he remains committed to the development of Kapit despite carrying national responsibilities as Minister of Works.
He said numerous development projects have been and are being implemented in the Kapit Division, including roads, bridges, water and electricity supply, public amenities and Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects.
Among the major projects are the road from Nibong/Tada to Sungai Belawai, the bridge crossing Batang Rajang at Sungai Belawai, and the road from Nanga Belawai to Nanga Seranau, including future connections to surrounding areas.
“These major projects are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen connectivity and open up more development opportunities for rural communities,” he said.
Nanta revealed that during his three years and five months leading the Ministry of Works, federal allocations channelled to the Kapit Division had exceeded RM2.1 billion.
This includes more than RM300 million for the Sungai Belawai Bridge project crossing Batang Rajang, and over RM400 million for the road linking Nanga Belawai and Nanga Seranau, while other projects include the construction of the MARA Professional College, the new Kapit District Police Headquarters, and various infrastructure developments.
On the issue of Jalan Jiwa Murni, Nanta said efforts to resolve problems involving the route would continue despite the road not being built according to Public Works Department specifications.
“We will continue working with the area’s assemblyman, the State Government and relevant agencies to find the best solution for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He also highlighted the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES), describing it as a temporary solar energy solution for rural communities while awaiting permanent electricity grid connections under Sarawak Energy Bhd.
Meanwhile, Nanta announced an allocation of RM250,000 for water supply at Rumah Panjang Seblie Anak Ngelai and RM5,000 each to the women’s bureau of 20 longhouses that had yet to receive allocations.
He said the upgrading project at Rumah Panjang Seblie Anak Ngelai, involving tile installation works at the ruai with a total cost of RM408,000, reflected the government’s continued commitment towards improving rural community facilities.
“Development in Kapit is not yet fully complete, but it is progressing and will continue to be strengthened. No area should be left behind,” he added.
