KUCHING: The rural community of Gedong can look forward to better government administration and development befitting its new status as a district, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The caretaker chief minister said this would pave the way for improved service delivery and a better life for the people.

       “As a new district, Gedong will have a well-organised administrative structure.

       “A district officer will be appointed with a district council set up to serve the area,” he said when launching the new district in Gedong, about 85km from here, yesterday.

       Abang Johari said Gedong was one of five new districts created in Sarawak this year as part of the state government’s plans to provide better services.

       The others are Siburan in Serian division, Sebuyau in Samarahan as well as Lingga and Pantu in Sri Aman.

       Abang Johari said Gedong would be developed as a satellite town in Samarahan and its road network improved for quicker access to the urban areas of Kota Samarahan and Kuching.

       “Gedong and its surrounding areas also have potential for agriculture and tourism,” he added.

       Abang Johari, who has moved from his Satok seat to contest in Gedong in the coming state polls, thanked the locals for welcoming him as a candidate.

       “At the same time, I have to thank the people of Satok for willing to let me move to Gedong to serve the rural folk,” said Abang Johari, who had been the Satok assemblyman since 1981.

       The new Gedong district covers an area of 2,218sq km with a population of 49,000.