He announced allocations totalling RM54.3 million for the extension of water mains and the upgrading of existing pipelines.

The announcement by Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, when opening Sekolah Kebangsaan Pusa, about 70km from here, received thunderous applause from more than 2,000 Beting Maro folk present.

According to Najib, the mains extension work would commence today with an allocation of RM44.3 million and was expected to be completed by November next year.

“I have also been told by our candidate (BN candidate for Beting Maro Razaili Gapor) that the pipes here are very small and therefore I am approving an allocation of RM10 million for bigger pipes.”

Najib said the provision of basic facilities was always a top agenda of the BN government, more so to raise the living standard of rural people.

Not only did Najib bring cheer to the folks in Beting Maro, he had more good news in store for the people of Sarawak.

The prime minister said the Federal Government planned to complete repairing 183 dilapidated schools in the state using the Integrated Building System within seven years.

For a start, eight school buildings had or were being in the process of being repaired using the method which needed just about eight weeks for completion, said.

Najib also drew attention to the fact that human capital development had been a key agenda of the BN government all this while so that the younger generation from the low-income group could have a better life.

“Through education, we can change our lifestyle not just in one generation but generations to come,” he said.

At the event, Najib also handed over Native Customary Rights land titles to four villages in the Beting Maro area.

– BERNAMA