Tenom: The State Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) will expedite compensation and price negotiations involving a church affected by the flood mitigation project here.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister cum Melalap assemblyman Datuk Jamawi Jaffar said the church building had to be demolished as it lies within the alignment of the ongoing flood mitigation works, requiring the congregation to relocate and build a new church.
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He said a valuer has been appointed and he hopes the valuation report can be submitted soon so that negotiations can be finalised without delay.
“I hope the appointed valuer can submit the report as soon as possible so that the compensation can be agreed upon quickly. This will enable the church management to look for a new site and plan the construction of a new building,” he said after visiting the church at Kampung Uloi-Makakagas, here.
Jamawi also said the church has yet to receive any compensation for the project.
Meanwhile, church leaders appealed for fair and reasonable compensation, citing the high cost of land and construction in Tenom town.
Samuel Stimin said the church estimates it will require about RM1.5 million to cover the cost of land and a new building.
“We are seeking total compensation of around RM1.5 million to cover the cost of land and construction, as land prices in town are high and suitable sites are difficult to find,” he said.
Another church representative, Patrick Usit, said the compensation must reflect current market prices.
“We hope the compensation will be sufficient, especially as construction costs and building material prices are increasing, and suitable land in the town area is expensive,” he said.
