Kota Kinabalu: Telupid Assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum urged the State Government to ensure that the additional RM1.18 billion allocation was spent based on the critical needs of every district, especially the rural community.
He said the additional budget should cover all aspects that have been highlighted in the application of each district, including Telupid.
“Every time the budget is presented, I raise the issue of revamping the Water Department to ensure clean water supply for our people.
“Telupid needs upgrading for it’s water treatment facilities and pipelines as in some areas like Mukim Nango, the entire village still lacks basic access to treated water,” he said.
Jonnybone proposed the establishment of a mini water treatment plant to serve five affected villages, including Kampung Sinaputan and Kampung Nango.
Jonnybone also raised another issue regarding the condition of the district’s land office which currently shares space with the District Office.
He said the concern is about the security of land grants and legal documents that are currently stored in a temporary facility outside the main building.
Jonnybone also requested an immediate action to the riverbank erosion due to flood which caused several houses collapsed previously.
“More homes are at risk as the riverbanks continue to inch closer to residential areas. Some houses have already collapsed. We fear a disaster if nothing is done soon,” he said.
Jonnybone also hopes that funding will be granted to repair the damaged infrastructures like culverts, suspension bridges, retaining walls behind the mosque and church that have been delayed for two years.
He said the mosque and church are at risk of collapsing and damaged bridges prevent the villagers from carrying out rubber tapping works, among others.
As a result, the villagers were forced to wade across rivers to access their farm. This situation becomes worse during rainy season.
