BALING: Twelve families from Kampung Iboi who lost their home during the massive floods in July last year, heaved a sigh of relief after receiving the keys and land to title for the new houses in Desa Keda Sadek in Kupang here.
Abdul Rahman Said, 71, who lost his wife, a stepson and a daughter-in-law who was pregnant during the disaster, said he was grateful that the house was finally completed after almost a year.
Although the new house would never be able to compensate the losses that he endured, Rahman said it would at least enable him to move on with life.
"I already made peace with the tragedy and the loss of my loved ones. It is about time for me to move on and live the remainder of my life," he said after receiving the keys and land title from Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today.
Rahman, or fondly known as Che Awang among the villagers, thanked the Menteri Besar and all agencies involved in the construction of the new homes for the victims.
"I am thankful to the Menteri Besar and all the agencies as well as well-wishers who have helped us since the tragedy.
"I am looking forward to move in soon and celebrate Aidil Adha here," he said.
Another recipient Azizan Mat Isa, 50, said he was grateful for the new house although it was smaller than his home in Kampung Iboi which was destroyed by the floods.
"I am grateful for this replacement home. I will move in as soon as possible with my wife and family," said the Army retiree.
Meanwhile, Sanusi said the cost of the project had ballooned from initial estimates of RM1.2 million to RM2.1 million due to additional infrastructure works.
"Initially, we approved an allocation to build each house at a cost of RM75,000 each but once we started construction works, we found that the project required additional infrastructure works.
Sanusi added that the land acquisition for a piece of land in Kampung Bok Bak near Kampung Iboi to relocate 17 families living in the yellow zone area had also been completed.
"The state government spent RM600,000 to acquire the land in Kampung Bok Bak to relocate another 17 families living along the riverbank, since the experts have found that it was not safe for them to stay there after the massive disaster," he said.
Sanusi said the construction works to be carried out by the Public Works Department was based on a RM3 million allocation approved by former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob during his visit to Kampung Iboi last year.