KOTA MARUDU, July 28 (Bernama) -- The state government's concern for the people saw the relocation of villagers affected by the building of the Milau dam, to new homes, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said Wednesday.

He said the government had accommodated the needs of the villagers who would be moved to individual concrete houses at Kampung Garau, Matunggong.

He said this was made possible by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, adding that the state government provided the affected families with homes and basic utilities such as water and electricity supply.

The dam was built to provide the much needed water supply for Kudat.

However, during spot checks at the relocation site at Kampung Garau on Monday, Ongkili, who is Kota Marudu member of parliament, noted several weaknesses in the implementation of the housing project, including work delay and inadequate building specifications.

He also noted that development fund for a playing field and places of worship at the housing area was not provided.

"Thus, the project will require further allocation of funds to put things right as the villagers deserve proper homes," he said, adding that the project was also delayed by three months.

Ongkili, who was accompanied by Matunggong assemblyman Sarapin Magana, said the utilisation of the Milau dam was almost three years behind schedule as the dam could not be filled up unless the villagers were relocated.