Shafie denied Tuaran villagers RM18m bridge, claims Rahman
Published on: Tuesday, February 07, 2017
Tuaran: TUARAN: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the nearly 40-year wait by locals here is finally over with the proposed construction of a bigger and a wider 104m concrete bridge over Sungai Damit."The new bridge will enable villagers from across the Sungai Damit to access Tuaran township."More importantly, they will have easier access to services from the police, the Fire and Rescue Department government agencies and other facilties.ADVERTISEMENT "It will also be cost saving for the government as we do not need to build a new facility will need between RM60 million to RM70 million. We can solve the problem by allocating RM18 million only for the new bridge," he said during a working visit here, Monday.Also present were Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau who is also Federal Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Sulaman Assemblyman Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Nor who is also State Local Government and Housing Minister and Tamparuli Community Development Leader Datuk Jahid Jahim, among others.According to Abdul Rahman who also heads the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), works on the project will start soon and the Public Works Department had given their commitment to begin the works this year.The project, is expected to be completed in two years and assured it will be handled by local developers.ADVERTISEMENT Abdul Rahman said, previously the people's representatives in the district had appealed on numerous occasions to the Federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry to upgrade the bridge."Unfortunately, the Minister who helmed the ministry then, Datuk Shafie Apdal gave many excuses even though the cost to build it is only RM18 million.
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"Maybe we can wait for a year or two but if it is longer than that, then something has to be done immediately to resolve the matter."The new bridge will also be an economic catalyst for the district as it will be a significant infrastructure for Tuaran's growth in 10 to 20 years' time."It will enhance the land value and agricultural produce in the villages across Sungai Damit," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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On another development, Abdul Rahman said the general election will only be held when the people are ready for it. "If the people are not ready, then it will backfire on us if we hold the election but generally, all political parties, including Barisan Nasional's (BN) component parties are ready to face the general election."On when it will be held, I think it is best for us to give ample space and opportunity for the Prime Minister and Chief Minister to discuss and finalise their decisions," he said. -Ricardo Unto