KUCHING: Plans to transform Bengoh into a new township are now in the pipeline, its assemblyman Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil assures the people.

“Plans are already there, but we can only implement once our people are fully ready. At this stage, I don’t think we’re ready yet because first and foremost, we need to have our NCR (Native Customary Rights) land surveyed and gazetted before getting the titles.

“I am pushing for this now as only land with titles could fetch bigger values if we want to use them as the guarantee in applying for bank loans for business capital,” he told reporters after the presentation of aid to flood victims from 53 families in and around Siniawan, Bau near here yesterday.

Adding on, Jerip said only after all these processes concluded would the plans to develop a new township in Bengoh be implemented.

“We have actually identified and proposed a few sites (for the proposed new township) including in front of the existing Police Training Centre (Pulapol) and another near Bengoh Resettlement Scheme.

“For now, it is still at the planning stage but the LCDA (Land Consolidation Development Authority) has already given the greenlight. Once implemented, the township will be one complete with clinic, primary and secondary schools, police station, fire station and offices of government agencies.

“Of course, one of the important components in developing a new township is it having residential and commercial centres,” he said, noting that the nearest bazaars frequented by residents living along Jalan Puncak Borneo are Kota Padawan and Siburan.

Having said this, Dr Jerip also mentioned that the Padawan Rural Growth Centre (RGC), which was initially halted, would be revived.

The ceremony yesterday was also attended by local community leaders including Penghulu Lai Shey Hiong.