KUCHING: The Gedong district will be developed with new infrastructure and amenities to become a hub for modern agriculture, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said a mini isthmus project would be implemented in Gedong to provide basic infrastructure such as government offices, a training institution, commercial centre and recreational area.
He said the project's first phase would also include roads, schools, affordable housing, a light industrial complex, sports complex, mosque, fuel station, hotel and community centre.
"We will build a new 19km-long road connecting Serian to Gedong, as well as a 74km road from Gedong to Samarahan.
"We will also improve the drainage and irrigation in this area for agriculture and modern farming," Abang Johari said when handing over compensation to landowners for the project in Gedong, about 85km from here, on Wednesday (Apr 12).
He said the project would turn Gedong into an agriculture hub using modern technology to produce rice and other food crops.
"Two universities are currently conducting studies on the ground to transfer technology to farmers in the area.
"We want to produce farmers who can use digital technology to earn a high income," he said.
The Land and Survey Department's Samarahan division superintendent Mohammad Zunica Mohamad Sapi'ee said a 126.14ha site for the mini isthmus project was approved on June 15 last year.
He said compensation totalling RM5.2mil would be paid to 82 landowners for the project.
"I would like to thank the landowners for their cooperation and support during the land acquisition process.
"The mini isthmus project will change the landscape of Gedong, providing new amenities and job opportunities for the local community," he said.
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