Pairin disappointed over projects’ quality, delay by Johan Aziz. Posted on the Borneo Post, August 18, 2013, Sunday TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has expressed disappointment over two development projects in his constituency due to a lack of quality and delay. In view of this, he asked the departments and agencies here to carry out frequent monitoring of the projects in order to truly meet the needs of the residents. “We want neat and quality projects. I ask that the relevant government departments monitor the development projects in this area frequently to ensure that the developers do quality work,” he told reporters after a working visit to several development project sites here on Friday. Pairin, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development, admitted that he had visited a number of projects that had been completed but discovered that they were lacking in quality. According to Pairin, a wooden bridge was completed at Kampung Tondulu but some safety factors had not been considered and in addition, the contractor had neglected to clean the surrounding environment. “It is important that this wooden bridge be upgraded. Barriers or fences should also be put up in order to ensure the safety of users. “Furthermore, the excess of wood used for the bridge had not been cut off and gives off an impression of poor quality. I also request that the banks along the bridge be cleared to improve the area’s presentation,” he said. The Keningau member of Parliament cum Tambunan state assemblyman also suggested for the district office to expedite the Kaingaran Mesej project and participants’ housing project, adding that the projects should have been completed by now and the participants already put to work. The Kaingaran Mesej project covers an area of 250 acres, 200 acres of which were planted with rubber by the Rubber Industry Board and 50 acres allocated for housing participants. The project had been initiated since 2009. “While the rubber seeds were being planted in the area, some participants had been selected to be included so that they could also earn income through wage salary while waiting for the income over the rubber yield. “Unfortunately, the rubber trees were not planted simultaneously. This should not have happened as the trees could have produced yield simultaneously. “Given the lack of monitoring by government agencies when the rubber trees were planted in 2009, many have died and had to be replanted in 2010,” he said. If there were frequent monitoring by the agency concerned, Pairin said, the plants could have been saved from insects, adding that the participants’ involvement during the project could also have spared the trees as they would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the rubber trees. He had also asked for the government agencies responsible for the provision of houses in the area to also monitor their project. “The houses are still in need of repair to ensure the comfort of the participants in the project. Furthermore, the drainage system was not done well by the contractor and the electrical wiring were also not included. “I hope the district office can direct the developer to complete this house for the 33 participants that have been selected and registered under the E-Kasih,” Pairin said. Meanwhile, he also urged the district office to hold a district action meeting to request for a full report on the development of the Kaingaran Mesej project from the government agencies responsible. On his one-day working visit, Pairin also covered the Tondulu water intake and Lalapakon road. He was accompanied by Ministry of Infrastructure Development political secretary Welfredoline Jakil, assistant district officer Robert Stidi, officers and employees of the Public Works Department and Water Supply Department.
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 22:24:58 +0000