SRI AMAN: Development in the division will continue through projects under the Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) here.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the agency has listed 70 projects covering all districts in Sri Aman with an approved estimated cost of RM1.4 billion.
“These projects include roads, bridges, jetties, flood mitigation, water drainage, tourism centres and facilities, handicraft centres, sports complexes, coffee plantations, fish farming in cages, and more.
“I am confident that with the role of local agencies like SADA, development in Sarawak can be implemented faster and more effectively compared to the old top-down approach,” he said.
Abang Johari said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the opening of the 2024 Sri Aman Benak Festival today (Nov 30).
He mentioned that SADA under the leadership of Datuk Seri Rohani Karim, is one of several agencies established by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to plan development at the grassroots level, rather than at the top level.
The GPS government introduced this approach because Sarawak is a vast area and needs to be divided into several development zones to ensure more effective implementation of development projects, he added.
“In Peninsular Malaysia, there are 11 states, each planning and implementing development programmes for its respective state.
“What is being done in Sarawak through agencies like SADA is similar to what happens in Peninsular Malaysia, which is divided into 11 states.
“Agencies like SADA, Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), Ulu Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA), Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKDCA) are tasked with planning programmes and development projects based on local needs rather than following plans devised by higher authorities in Kuching,” he said.
