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2nd September, 2010
SANDAKAN: Residents of Kg Sungai Batang here living within road reserve areas have been told to prepare to be resettled.
Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said the area on which they are occupying is state land and will be used for road expansion.
He said more infrastructure projects are expected after the Education Hub in Sandakan begins operations.
“We have explained the situation to the affected residents. The land will be used for road construction. They will be relocated to a place that is equipped with the proper facilities and infrastructure,” assured the Chief Minister.
He was speaking to reporters after distributing tithes to the needy, orphans and less privileged at the Kg Sungai Batang Mosque here yesterday.
Those present were Libaran member of parliament, Datuk Juslie Ajirol, Gum-Gum assemblyman, Datuk Zakaria Edris and Sandakan Municipal Council president, James Wong.
The identified area for the resettlement is about 19 hectares and is still located within Kg Sungai Batang.
It is expected to accommodate 118 families and will be equipped with water and electricity supplies as well as a mosque and a multi-purpose hall.
In the meantime, the affected residents will be temporarily placed in the Gum-Gum People’s Housing Project until the resettlement is ready for occupation.
“The resettlement will be better for them because they no longer have to live in fear of being evicted. Their children will also be able to inherit the property because community land titles will be issued,” said Musa.
On the issue of flash floods at SK Ladang Sandak, which was closed yesterday. Musa said the problem will no longer arise once the Education Hub is fully completed.
He has discussed the matter with the Sandakan Municipal Council and believes it is just a short-term problem due to the development in the area.
“Proper drainage and other well-planned infrastructure will ensure the flash flood no longer occurs,” he said.
More than 600 pupils were unable to attend school yesterday at SK Ladang Sandak when it was submerged in water.
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