Agency set up to coordinate development in rural zones

Len says the development in Sarawak’s rural areas will benefit 300,000 people.

THE Rajang Delta Development Agency (Radda) has been established to coordinate infrastructure development in Sarawak’s rural areas.

Speaking at a press conference before a three-day Radda development lab, Sarawak Natural Resources and Urban Develop-ment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the development – estimated to cover 10,786sq km – would involve 11 state constituencies in Sarikei and Mukah as well as the west bank of Sibu.

Involving RM1.5bil, the project is expected to benefit 300,000 people in terms of socio-economic development, infrastructure and utilities.

“This fully state-funded project is in line with Sarawak government’s desire to ensure that the rural areas are not left out of mainstream development.

“Radda is one of the government’s strategic steps to realise comprehensive development in the Rajang Delta,” he said.

The Kuala Rajang assemblyman said Radda would complement other agencies, including the Ulu Rajang Development Agency, Highlands Development Agency, Samarahan Region Integrated Development Agency and Sri Aman Development Agency.

“The establishment of Radda is very important to strengthen the agencies involved in implementing the agenda centred on the planned development,” he added.

Len said the lab would have a draft of a working paper for Radda, which would be ready by the end of August.

It will then be debated at the state Cabinet meeting in September.

“The lab is very important as it is used to prepare a report for the State Secretary before the papers can be presented in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

“With the approval of the Cabinet, the agency will be officially established,” he said.

Len also said that the establishment of Radda was proof of the Sarawak government’s seriousness in improving the standard of living in all aspects by 2030.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in his closing speech of the 15th Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu triennial general meeting on June 19, announced the establishment of Radda.

The three-day Radda development lab involved 200 participants from various ministries, agencies, government departments and community leaders from the Sarikei and Mukah divisions.