Villagers repair damaged bridge by themselves
MIRI: Motivation was the key word when Penan villagers at Long Luteng held a ‘gotongroyong’ to repair the suspension bridge connecting the village to SK Long Luteng that was damaged by strong river currents and floating log debris during the heavy downpour recently, though its main structure was still intact.
Upon receiving a distress call from the school headmaster and village headman, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau brought personnel from Miri Public Works Department (JKR) to assess the damage.
In an informal meeting at the school, Dennis urged the villagers to repair the bridge on a ‘gotongroyong’ basis because it might take a longer time for a government agency to do the repair.
The recent flood caused by continuous heavy downpour that hit several longhouses and settlements in Telang Usan had caused damage to bridges, roads and even loss of property and crops.
After two days ( Monday and Tuesday) of vigorous ‘gotongroyong’ by the villagers and without having to replace any major part of the bridge, parents and teachers of SK Long Luteng, Sg Patah are relieved that the suspension bridge is now passable.
Without the bridge, daily school activities came to a halt as parents were reluctant to send their children to school by boat for fear of any mishap.
Dennis applauded the effort done by the villagers and Samling Timber Company for providing machinery for the repair work to be carried out.
SK Long Luteng is located at Long Luteng, Sg Patah, Baram about five hours’ drive by 4WD vehicle from Miri city.