Yap (fourth right) witnesses the handover ceremony marking the completion of Phase Two of the Kota Sentosa Town Square upgrading works.
KUCHING (Sept 24): Development at the grassroots level must be driven by local needs and followed through until tangible improvements are delivered to the community, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
He said this was reflected in two community projects in his constituency — the completion of the RM300,000 Phase Two upgrading of Kota Sentosa Town Square and the commencement of a RM50,000 landscaping project at the Mile 7 Sam San Kuet Bong Temple.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy treasurer said development should not focus solely on major infrastructure projects, but also include smaller-scale improvements that directly affect residents’ daily lives.
“Development must reach the community. It is about listening to local needs, following up and delivering improvements on the ground.
“I will continue to work together with our community leaders and relevant agencies to make Kota Sentosa a better place to live,” he said in a statement.
The Phase Two upgrading of Kota Sentosa Town Square, implemented by Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), was carried out following feedback from the local community.
The RM300,000 project included the installation of louvres and awnings, extension of the main hall floor area, installation of stage railings, and upgrading and replacement of faulty electrical wiring for the existing lighting system.
Yap said the improvements would enhance the functionality, safety and comfort of the Town Square, which hosts various community activities and programmes.
He said the completion of Phase Two continued earlier improvement works at the Town Square, adding that he would continue monitoring projects to ensure completed facilities delivered their intended benefits.
The project was implemented by MPP, with MF Jaya Bina Sdn Bhd as the contractor.
Yap thanked MPP and the contractor for their cooperation in completing the upgrading works, and said the RTP remained an important mechanism for addressing grassroots infrastructure needs.
Meanwhile, Yap witnessed the commencement of a RM50,000 landscaping project at the Green Dragon section of the Mile 7 Sam San Kuet Bong Temple.
He said the project, fully funded by him, was aimed at improving the appearance and surroundings of the temple section and creating a more pleasant and welcoming environment for devotees and the local community.
Yap said community development should also include improving facilities and surroundings important to local communities, including places of worship and cultural spaces.
“Whether it involves drainage, roads, public facilities or community and cultural spaces, I will continue to listen to the needs of the people and do my best to facilitate meaningful projects,” he said.
He also thanked the temple management and community leaders for their cooperation in implementing the landscaping project.
Yap said the two projects reflected his approach of responding to grassroots concerns and ensuring improvements were delivered on the ground.