Junaidi Kutoi
Mosolin Meon Derik
KUCHING: The construction of new homes for the 20 families from Kampung Mambong affected by the clinker plant about 20 years ago is expected to take off in a few months’ time.
Public Health Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) would build the houses under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) scheme.
However, given that the infrastructural costs, including piling, are not covered within the price of the RMR, the project could not take place until the basic infrastructures are in place.
Dr Jerip, who is Bengoh assemblyman and co-ordinator of the resettlement project, admitted that the resettlement of the 20 families from Kampung Mambong, at Mile 16 off Jalan Puncak Borneo, was long overdue.
He said the land clearing and levelling was done in 2009, but the resettlement committee wanted piling work to be done on the land that was formerly a swamp.
“To implement the infrastructural work that includes piling we need funds. I have written to the State Development Office for some funds to enable us to implement the long overdue project.
“I’m expecting the funds to be given out either end of this month or in April. As soon as we get it, we will start to implement the infrastructural work.
“Hopefully, construction will be in progress by end of this year,” he said.
Asked if the temporary occupational licence (TOL) for every lot is ready, Dr Jerip said there shouldn’t be any problem issuing it.
He said the Land and Survey Department was aware of the issue, and that TOL could be made ready any time.
Junaidi Kutoi wanted the Land and Survey to speed up the issuance of TOL for every lot, so those not eligible for the RMR could start building their own houses.
His application for the RMR scheme was rejected.
“SPNB did not approve my application because I’m too old to apply for a loan,” said Junaidi, 73.
“Now, I want to build my house, but I cannot proceed because the Land and Survey had not divided the lots and issued the TOL.
“I have waited for the TOL to be issued over the past five years and I’m getting older – I wonder if I will have the chance to live in a new home here,” he lamented.
Mosolin Meon Derik shared the view with Junaidi saying he too was wondering why the project had not taken off when the new site was ready five years ago.
“This place has turned to bushes,” he said.
He added that the clinker plant management, which provided the site for them, had asked them to clear the area but they were uncertain if the land had been actually given to them.
Mosolin was worried that he might no longer be eligible for the RMR scheme should
there be further delay in the project.
“When my application was approved about five years ago, I was 56 years old. Now I’m approaching 61, and I’m not sure if I’m still eligible for the RMR scheme,” he said.