Clean water a bright spark among grouses in Murum
KUCHING: The people of Uma Bakah at Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme in Murum constituency now have clean water supply – thanks to the success of the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply ( Sawas) programme in their area.
According to Murum assemblyman Chukpai Ugon, the project commenced at end of April and was completed in October.
“We want to thank Chief Minister ( Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) for this pilot project. Based on the feedback from the villages, the project was a great success.
“It has delivered what it promised – 24 hours of uninterrupted supply of water and unlimited raw water, benefitting the whole of Uma Bakah consisting of 2,000 residents in 18 longhouses.”
“Now neighbouring longhouses also want the government to implement the same project in their area; and as their assemblyman, I urge the government to continue the project in other parts of Murum so that all could enjoy the supply of clean water,” Chukpai told The Borneo Post yesterday.
One of the initiatives that Adenan pledged to fulfill is to provide water for rural communities – upon which he has allocated RM106 million for its implementation next year.
Chukpai also repeated his earlier request to upgrade the infrastructure and conduct repairs on schools and clinics across his constituency, which was debated at the last State Assembly Sitting which concluded on Wednesday.
“There are only three clinics in Murum. They are run down and the facilities are very limited. I urge the government to upgrade these health clinics and upgrade the one at Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme to a full hospital status to meet the needs of the increasing population there,” said Chukpai.
He pointed out that four schools – SK Lusong Laku, SK Long Urun, SK Kuala Kebulu and SK Bukit Balai – needed urgent repairs, especially SK Bukit Balai which is frequently inundated when the water level is high.
Chukpai, who lives at Sungai Asap, also appealed to the government to upgrade roads in Murum especially those linking Sungai Asap with Metalun and Tegulang resettlement schemes.
“Most of the roads from Sungai Asap to other areas are still gravel roads – the students are travelling to school on these roads every day. On dry days, it is alright except for the dust but during rainy days, travelling on these gravel or mud roads is dangerous.
“So I appeal to the government to upgrade some stretches most frequently travelled including the road to SK Lusong Laku and Lusong Laku Clinic at Ulu Sungai Linau ( 55km); one to SK Long Urun, Belaga (30km); one to SK Kelulu, Ulu Sungai Jelalong, Tubau (65km); the one to Rumah Panjang Long Bala, Sungai Koya (10km); and one to Rumah Panjang Long Koyan (15km).”
Chukpai said after 18 years, some wooden longhouses at Sungai Asap had begun to show wear and tear. These longhouses are Rumah Derick, Ulu Jelalong, Tubau; Rumah Jau Dungau, Long Seripa, Tubau; Rumah Raymond Lahang, Long Tirat, Tubau; Rumah Mersam Jok, Long Tebila, Tubau; and Sungai Penyuan along Long Urun.
He said Murum had been developing fast, and its residents were hardworking and progressive in thinking.
“I am also hoping that a Murum Centre would be set up at the main junction leading to the Murum Dam. The place has started to become a stopover spot – the shops there are booming.
“The place has the potential of growing into a township and I hope the government could come up with a detailed structure plan to make it into a new town, in accordance with the development plan of making Murum the secondary growth node within Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy,” said Chukpai.
The assemblyman added that his constituency also had huge potential in eco-tourism with its rich biodiversity and also colourful Orang Ulu culture.
“That is why I hope that an ecotourism centre could be set up in the area to facilitate and promote eco-tourism in the area.”
Apart from the production of hydropower, other main economic activities in Murum have been agriculture and inland fishery.
“As agriculture is the main income earner in Murum, I also call on the government to re- open the agriculture station at Lusong Laku and open new ones at Long Urun, Metalun and Tegulang to help our Penan residents be more involved in agriculture.”
Chukpai also made an appeal for aid for inland fishermen in Murum in the form of subsidies for outboard engines and fishing gear.