A sum of RM2 million has been set aside under 2021 State Budget for the Sarawak government to undertake the Kuching City Local Plan 2030 Study.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the study would provide overall physical land use development direction through zoning.
“The study will also use class order as a guide for a holistic and sustainable urban development of the city,” he said when tabling the Supply (2021) Bill, 2020 at the DUN sitting yesterday (Nov 9).
Abang Johari added expanding the coverage of treated water supply had always been the top priority of the state government to accelerate development in the rural areas.
“A sum of RM85.275 million will be provided under this budget with the implementation of various projects such as the pipeline for Darul Hana project; upgrading of Berawan Water Treatment Plant; high level tank at Balai Ruai, Saratok; Long Lama Water Supply (Phase III); and Suai Water Treatment Plant Raw Water Intake,” he said.
The chief minister pointed out another initiative was the implementation of the Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme for Stressed Areas; a sum of RM1.710 billion would be provided under the State Alternative Funding Initiatives in 2021.
“Meanwhile, a total of RM1.398 billion will be provided next year for the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) under the State Alternative Funding Initiatives,” he said.
Abang Johari added help was given to rural dwellers for connection of electricity to their houses via Additional Late Applicant Funds (ALAF) and Assisted Wiring Scheme (AWS).
“As I have announced last year in my Budget speech, urban households will also be assisted in the connection of electricity to their houses via Connection Charges Government Financial Assistance (CCGFA).
“This programme will be continued next year with an allocation of RM2.3 million under this budget,” he said.
