Bintulu: A one-acre former oxidation pond will be turned into a beautiful recreational park soon for Taman Ecorich which has a population around 600. Backfilling works for the RM282,458 project of the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) started in December in last year and have been completed.

             Project engineer Jessica Landsay said the two month construction of the park would be tendered out soon, with work expected to start next month.

           According to her, the park would incorporate a children playground, a basketball court, an area for petanque and bicycle parking and a multi-purpose court for street soccer, volleyball, netball  and sepak takraw.

           Water, Green Technology and Energy Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui yesterday planted a sapling to mark the commencement of the project. Chin said the project was aimed at enhancing the neighbourhood spirit and understanding.

           “We hope to create a healthy and green environment and promote a healthy lifestyle,”he add.

             Describing it as a good project for the people, the minister said Taman Erorich, which has 122 households, was previously not popular with the people because of the oxidation pond.

            The pond was decommissioned recently by BDA which is in the process of transforming all selected decommissioned oxidation ponds (DOPs) into public recreational area.

            Chin thanked BDA for being a local goverment authority that was forward-looking.

             “My ministry supports  this kind of project and I know  people will love it,” he said.

               He said the park would benefit not only the residents in the neighborhood but may also be popular spot the people to spend their leisure.

               Also present at the function yesterday were BDA general manager, YBhg. Datu Mohidin Ishak, senator Pau Chiong Ung an BN-SUPP candidate for Kidurong, Henry Ling Kuong Meng.

               On the state election, Chin expressed optimism that Ling would win given the strong BN election machinery  and the cohesion of the BN family.

               He said being a candidate of the BN stood Ling in good stead in this election.

              “State assemblymen have to work very closely with members of parliament in oder to be effective people’s representatives.

                “If elected Ling will be an effective people’s representative as he can work closely with the bintulu MP who is also from BN,” he explained.

                 Speaking from experience, Chin said the fact that the state seats under the Miri parliamentary constituency were all under BN had resulted in enhanced efficiency and effectiveness servicing the people.

               “The state seats are Piasau, Lambir and Senadin,” he said, adding that state seats within Bintulu parliamentary constituency were Kidurong, Jepak and Kemena.

 Source : The Borneo Post dated 10 April 2011.