ALL VILLAGES TO GET STREETLIGHTS SOON

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH
metrose@thestar.com.my

TANGKAK: The state government plans to install streetlights in all villages throughout Johor.

Speaking to villagers in Bukit Gambir here, Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said the state Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) had been asked to estimate the cost of the project.

Abdul Ghani said the plan to light up villages in the state had been discussed with the Federal Government.

Great support: Abdul Ghani kicking a futsal ball to launch the new futsal field in Felda Parit Haji Idris near Bukit Gambir yesterday while Hamim (second from right) looks on.

“We plan to light up all villages with streetlights as villagers have asked for such facility from the state government.

“We will submit the application for the allocation after UPEN completes its task,” he said when opening a futsal field in Felda Parit Haji Idris near Bukit Gambir on Friday.

He said the state would determine how many streetlights were needed and the cost to maintain them throughout Johor.

Abdul Ghani, who was accompanied by Ledang MP Hamim Samuri and Johor Unity, Human Resources, Science, Technology and Innovative Committee chairman M. Asojan, said streetlights were a necessity in the villages.

He also said the state had purchased a 2.8ha plot, which cost about RM260,000 to build a football field under the scheme.

Abdul Ghani said the field project would begin this year and it would be used not only by residents but neighbouring villagers as well.

“Earthworks on the field will be carried out soon and we will also dig proper drainage around the playing field,” he said.

Abdul Ghani also announced a new mosque project to be built in Bukit Gambir as the present building was old and small.

“The Ledang district office will identify a suitable site for the new mosque, which can accommodate more than 1,000 people at any one time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamim also announced allocations totalling RM340,000 to upgrade infrastructures in the scheme, including roads, bridges and the drainage system.

SOURCE: THE STAR, MARCH 28, 2012