Long Banga to have road upgraded next year
LONG BANGA, Baram: The road upgrading project costing RM1 million to link the airport to the community hall and church in Long Banga will kick off next year, says State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala.
He said the project would be done under the state government’s Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) and would come under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR).
“The plans for Long Banga next year include upgrading of the road from Long Banga Airport to the village community hall and church. The 1.3km long concrete road is estimated to cost RM1 million.
“The project would start immediately after JKR has issued the tender for the construction of the road and it is expected to be completed later next year,” the Mulu assemblyman told The Borneo Post after officiating at the Saban Festival here on Wednesday.
On a related matter, Gerawat said the local community appealed to MASwings to increase the number of flights to Long Banga from two to three times per week to provide convenience to tourists.
“I will convey their desire to MASwings management as soon as possible,” he added.
The plans for Long Banga next year include upgrading of the road from Long Banga Airport to the village community hall and church. The 1.3km long concrete road is estimated to cost RM1 million.
He also talked about the need to remind the local community to be aware of the social problems occurring in their areas and take necessary measures to tackle them.
“I must highlight the problems associated with drunkenness and drugs which have now encroached into many of our rural areas and Long Banga is not spared. It is a common problem that our rural community must face up to and must have the commitment and willpower to overcome it.
“Parents who are aware of their children’s involvement with drugs need to have courage to report to the relevant authorities such as the police so that these children can be counselled and if necessary brought to rehabilitation centres to free them from such addiction,” he said.
“Drug addiction will not only destroy the addict but will also
Datuk Gerawat Gala, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker
destroy his or her family and eventually the whole community if the problem is not addressed and if parents, community leaders and enforcement agencies do not recognise and tackle the problem,” he added.
He commended the organising committee and Saban community here for successfully organising the inaugural event.
“The Saban Festival helps to foster the spirit of solidarity among the community especially the younger generation who are born and live in the city. It also provides opportunities for Saban intellectuals and leaders to think and plan for their future and seek ways to enhance their socioeconomic status.
“Apart from promoting the Saban community and their cultures, this festival also helps in promoting places of interest in Long Banga and its vicinity that have high potential to become natural eco-tourism and adventure attractions,” he added.
At the event, Gerawat announced an allocation of RM15,000 from his Minor Rural Project ( MRP) fund.
He hoped that the festival would continue to be organised in years to come and be turned into a prominent event for the Saban community similar to Bario Food and Cultural Festival, better known as Pesta Nukenen of the Kelabits.
The two- day event that started on Nov 29 was supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, EPC Contractor and Samling Group of Companies.
Organising chairman Rhenly Gau, Ministry of Tourism and Culture state director Suriya Charles Buas a political secretary to the chief minister Charles Balan Seling, Miri Saban Association president Usat Bulong and Marudi District Council deputy chairman Cr Simpson Njock were among those present.