KUCHING: The Creative and Innovation (KIK) teams of the state civil service have been challenged to come out with high impact projects that could aid the government to solve issues pertaining to development of the rural communities.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said rural development requires lots of innovation and creativity, as it has always been a challenging task for the state government considering the mountainous terrain and large area where the settlements are scattered.

To ensure effective implementation of development projects in the state, the Rural Development Minister highlighted the importance both the state and federal agencies give to planning, implementation, internal auditing and monitoring of projects.

He cited internal auditing as the most important component of development projects.

“If we fail in any of the components, it may result in cost overrun, delay and frustration from those who are supposed to be the beneficiaries of the projects.

“We have seven more years before the nation achieves its Vision 2020. We must work very hard to ensure that we become a developed state,” he said when officiating at the prize giving ceremony of 2013 State-level Civil Service Creative and Innovative (KIK) Convention on Sunday.

The event was held at the Dewan Majma’ Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah of the state Islamic Complex here.

During the event, Jabu pledged to allocate RM100,000 from his 2014 minor rural project (MRP) grant for the KIK teams to implement their projects next year.

“The result of all the innovation and creativeness of the inter-agencies high performance teams will inadvertently be applied to the development throughout Sarawak. I pledge my minor rural project grants to assist and support the KIK to implement their projects in the rural areas.

“I dare to pledge RM100,000 from my MRP because I know that the investment will yield dividends in the future,” he said.

Jabu also called on local assemblymen and members of parliament to give some of their MRP grants to school projects and work closely with Parent-Teacher Associations and school authorities.

He said this would be a good investment as the younger generations need lots of guidance and support.