DARO: An allocation of RM50 million has been approved for the establishment of a new health clinic here.
Daro assemblyman, Safiee Ahmad, said that previously, only RM35 million had been allocated for the project.
“The RM35-million allocation was insufficient, as approximately RM50 million is needed to complete the project.
“This is based on the new specifications for the fully equipped Type 4 clinic,” he said.
Elaborating, Safiee stated that the additional funding is crucial to ensure the smooth implementation of the project and to meet the healthcare needs of the people here.
He expressed his gratitude as the application for an additional RM15 million in funding, submitted to the federal government, had finally been approved.
In relation to this, Safiee said he had received official confirmation from the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) that the project had already gone to the tender stage.
“A new, more strategic site that is larger and safer for the clinic has been selected, following the completion of Phase 1 embankment works two years ago.
“It is widely known that the old wooden health clinic was located on the banks of the Daro River, a site that was unsuitable due to its cramped conditions and frequent flooding.
“The new site, located beside the stadium and close to the villages in Daro, is particularly ideal given the presence of the Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) covering Kampung Lemang Pek, Ulu Daro and Pangtray,” he explained.
He added that following the completion of the Batang Lassa Bridge, the new location is now highly strategic, providing easier access to residents of Pulau Bruit and the Matu district who require health services.
“Since the old health clinic was destroyed in a fire at the end of 2015, its services have been operating out of the Daro Hospital Rest House, a temporary facility that is severely lacking in many aspects.
“To accommodate between 150 and 200 patients daily, I have consistently raised the need for a new district health clinic at every State Legislative Assembly sitting,” he said.
Grateful that the additional allocation had been approved, Safiee hoped that the project would proceed smoothly and be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
