KUCHING: State Assemblyman Sentosa, Wilfred Yap stepped in to help resolve a land access problem affecting Mr Chong, a local landowner whose property lost proper road access after a new highway was built.
This morning, Yap organised a site visit with officers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and their consultant to look at the issue firsthand.
Yap said Chong’s land (Lot 2556) is now cut off because of the highway project. At the moment, he uses a temporary access road across two neighbouring plots (Lots 1089 and 1090).
However, this is not a long-term solution, as the neighbouring landowners could stop allowing access at any time.
He added that Chong had repeatedly asked the PWD for a proper solution but got no response so he stepped in because no one should be left without legal access to their land due to government projects.
As a GPS government backbencher, Yap supported infrastructure development, but also reminded government departments that they must take care of the people affected.
“PWD and their consultant had earlier rejected a direct access point to the highway on safety grounds but did not offer any alternative solutions, leaving Mr Chong stuck without proper access,” he said.
During the visit, Yap asked the officers to be more understanding and proactive as safety is important, but so is fairness. He urged them to find a workable solution that protects both.
It was agreed during the meeting that the current temporary access would stay in place until a permanent slip road can be built.
Yap added that he would continue to push government bodies to be fair and responsible. He said development should not leave ordinary people worse off and should follow the goal of “social inclusivity” under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS2030)
By Connie Chieng