By WU VUIDE
TENOM: The State Government has allocated RM10 million to upgrade the irrigation system in Poguokon-Lagud Seberang.
More than 100 paddy farmers will benefit from the project, said Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said the upgrade was urgent as sedimentation and broken pumps had left about 300 hectares of paddy fields without enough water.
The Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) applied for the allocation, which has been approved and put out to tender, he said.
When completed, the project will serve farmers in Poguokon, Manining, Lagud Seberang, Pansailon and surrounding areas.
Jamawi, who is also chairman of the Sabah Water Resources Council, said this after officiating World Rivers Day at Dewan Datuk Sanggau Jalang.
In Makakumpai, JPS is upgrading a pump.
He said farmers there have not been able to plant for more than 10 years because the system failed. Work will continue despite damage and cable theft.
“There has been damage and theft, but it has not dampened our spirit. We will repair and modify the system so villagers can plant this season,” he said.
A dam costing RM250,000 has been completed in Kalang. In Melalap, three dams costing RM200,000 each are under construction.
They will irrigate about 250 acres in Kampung Langsat, Kampung Kasiai and Kampung Ulu Sumbiling.
Jamawi said the commitment to improve irrigation would continue in Tenom and other districts.
He asked farmers to report damaged canals so priorities could be set for next year.
The Government has also set aside RM7 million for a drainage control system in Tenom town and RM2.5 million to prevent erosion at the Murut Cultural Centre.
On the Sabah Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNS), Jamawi said the state-level celebration would be held from Oct 23 to 25 at Tenom Town Field and Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom Tenom.
The Chief Minister will open it at 10am on Oct 24.
Machinery for ploughing, planting and harvesting will be distributed at the event.
Ministry officers will also be present to help the public with information on subsidies and agricultural opportunities.
On World Rivers Day, Jamawi said rivers are a source of food and drinking water and their cleanliness must be protected.
Most water flows through dams built by JPS, but all depend on rivers from villages and hills. If rivers are polluted at the source, the entire flow is affected.
Earlier, Jamawi flagged off the Wag & Whiskers Fun Run and 1KM Walk With Pet at Wisma Pertanian in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Department of Veterinary Services, and officiated the Family Day of Sabah Science Secondary School at Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu.
In a separate event, Jamawi said an alternative road linking Jalan RTM, Kampung Bunut and the Tenom District Police Headquarters (IPD) had been completed and would be opened to the public.
He said the road was built as an alternative route to facilitate movement and ease congestion on the main road, particularly in the early mornings during the school term.
He said congestion often occurred along the road in front of St Anthony Secondary School, Chung Hwa Secondary School and Chung Hwa Primary School.
“This alternative road was built to provide convenience to the public and ease congestion on the main road in front of St Anthony Secondary School, Chung Hwa Secondary School and Chung Hwa Primary School during school mornings.
“The road is only open to light vehicles and will operate as a one-way route,” he said.
Jamawi said efforts were also being made to extend the alternative route to the Kampung Kalang junction in the future.
“We are also working to extend this alternative route to the Kampung Kalang junction in the future,” he said.
Jamawi showing the teachers how to plant a mango tree.
