KUCHING: A new health clinic costing RM16 million will be constructed in Simpang Layar, Betong, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, said the new clinic would be in addition to a RM36-million clinic and a RM5-million haemodialysis centre, both to be built in Spaoh.
“All of this has been made possible through the establishment of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).
“On behalf of the people in Betong, I thank our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for setting up BDDA and providing the RM1.5 billion allocation.
“We are looking forward to the Sri Aman to Betong road under the Second Trunk Road, which is expected to be completed next year and cut travel time between the two towns to just 30 minutes,” he said.
He said this when speaking at a Gawai Dayak gathering organised by the Saribas Social and Recreational club at a hotel here last night.
The Bukit Saban assemblyman again reiterated that he and other leaders would continue to focus on creating more income generating economic activities and promoting education excellence in the division.
“We view modern farming as the way forward.
“Toward this end, we have identified an area of 1,000 acres for our agropark and we have also identified several anchor companies to spearhead the development with landowners.
“So I hope all will give their strongest co-operation and support,”he said.
In promoting the culture of excellence in education, he added that programmes such as seminars and career counsellings would be organised for rural students.
“With the government providing free tertiary education beginning next year, our concern is whether more rural students will be able to enjoy this.
“We want them to do very well in Science, Mathematics and English so that we can produce more professionals such as engineers, accountants, doctors and others.
“Our new future economy will demand a lot of these professionals,” he added.
On another matter he called on the club to recruit more young members.
“We need new blood in providing voluntary services and other contributions to the well-being of the state, the people and club members,” he said.
He later announced grants totalling RM180,000 from himself, Betong Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, Selangau MP Edwin Banta, and Lupar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu for the club and its co-operative.
Earlier, he also presented tokens of appreciation to Dr Richard and other club members as well as incentives to 26 outstanding Betong Division students.
