Billy and Terrence
PENAMPANG: Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick has been instrumental in obtaining additional funding for the Flood Mitigation Plan and restoring financial support for the proposed Penampang clinic, as highlighted by Penampang UPKO youth chief Billy Joe Dominic.
Billy Joe’s remarks came in reaction to statements made by Warisan’s Vice President, Terrence Siambun, regarding the flood mitigation plan, the hospital, and various development projects in Penampang, as reported by local media recently.
Billy Joe strongly challenged the assertion that Warisan had given its approval to the flood mitigation plan, declaring that this statement is simply not true.
He explained that the plan was actually approved by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak prior to Warisan’s administration.
However, the execution of the Penampang Flood Mitigation Project faced a nearly three-year delay due to insufficient funding for utility relocation and challenges in relocating residents from the construction area.
Billy Joe highlighted that after Datuk Ewon Benedick assumed the role of Member of Parliament for Penampang, he worked diligently to secure additional funding and to coordinate with the relevant government agencies.
As a result of Ewon’s efforts, the flood mitigation project is now actively progressing for the benefit of the residents of Penampang.
In response to Terrence’s assertion that the Penampang Hospital was approved during the Warisan administration, Billy Joe clarified that no such approval was granted at that time.
Instead, only a Class 3 clinic was planned, which is anticipated to go to tender in 2025.
The initial funding for this project was retracted due to delays in its implementation.
“Once again, Ewon was instrumental in advocating for the reinstatement of funding to ensure the continuation of the clinic’s construction,” he stated.
Additionally, Billy Joe noted that the government has been providing annual funding to schools in Penampang for various activities, contributing to the educational development in the area.
