KUCHING: The Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) initiative may continue to be rolled out in phases, promising sustained development in the 10 constituencies under its jurisdiction.
GKCDA special administrative officer Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said the Sarawak government remains committed to ensuring that development projects under all regional development agencies, including GKCDA, will continue to be implemented effectively and without interruption.
He said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has indicated that GKCDA can apply for additional funding once its initial RM1.5 billion first-phase allocation is used up.
“That is why all the assemblymen, if possible, want all the projects that they have identified and approved to be completed by next year to utilise their allocation.
“Based on our project assessment, some of the projects, especially the multi-million ones will drag on until 2028. May be one or two projects might go to 2029 because of its longer completion period.
Ik Pahon said once the allocation for the first phase is fully used and projects are completed or well underway, applications for the next phase may be submitted.
“Actually many of them (the assemblymen) want to apply for fresh funds by 2028. But now, we can’t ask for the funds yet because we have not even finished 50 percent of the fund.
“Last year, we managed to spent about RM100 million plus only because we just started the implementation phase. This year, we targeted to spend RM300 million. This financial projection was discussed and shared at GKCDA steering committee meeting held on Feb 27,” he said.
Ik Pahon believed that the phases initiated by the Sarawak government are to guarantee that development is continuous and not a one-off effort.
The 10 state constituencies under GKCDA are Tanjung Datu, Opar, Tasik Biru, Serembu, Mambong, Tarat, Tebedu, Bukit Semuja, Kedup, and part of Balai Ringin.
With the phased continuation of GKCDA’s programmes, residents in the affected constituencies can expect ongoing development efforts aimed at transforming their areas into more vibrant and sustainable communities.
