‘Life’s getting better, thanks to Nanta, Jamit’
KAPIT: The longhouse villagers living along Sungai Melipis here, a tributary of Rajang River, have expressed their appreciation and gratitude to their elected representatives for ‘ taking care of them really well’.
Longhouse chieftain Sigih Emperan, who speaks on behalf of the villagers, highlights the new 6.5km road as testament to the hard work and commitment of Kapit MP Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
Sigih said Jalan Melipis – a project commissioned under Nanta – has solved the transportation problem that had previously plagued the communities along Sungai Melipis.
There are seven longhouses including Rumah Sigih along this river, from the ‘ulu’ ( headwater) to the ‘nanga’ (rivermouth) – the other six are Rumah Rambor, Rumah Untat, Rumah Alrexson Keeling, Rumah Anong, Rumah Mulai and Rumah Angaku.
“Previously, it was very challenging for us to travel on board boats along Sungai Melipis. My longhouse, for example, is
Previously, it was very challenging for us to travel on board boats along Sungai Melipis. My longhouse, for example, is between the ‘ulu’ and the ‘nanga’ – it took four to five hours just to reach my longhouse from town, and even that was dependant on the water level.
between the ‘ulu’ and the ‘nanga’ – it took four to five hours just to reach my longhouse from town, and even that was dependant on the water level.
“Imagine how tiring and timeconsuming it was for those from Rumah Mulai up in the ‘ ulu’ there.
“Now with the road, it only takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach here (from Kapit town) – far more convenient and faster than before,” said Sigih in his opening remarks during a welcoming ceremony for Jamit, who paid a visit to the longhouse recently.
Moreover, Sigih observed that the contractor had commenced upgrading works on the gravel road, to make it into the R1standard tar-sealed road.
“Now, all the longhouses are linked. Previously, it was a must for us to have 15Hp engines for our boats.
“Now, many villagers are either driving cars or riding motorcycles. The road has transformed our mode of travelling.”
Moreover, Sigih also attributed other development projects to Nanta and Jamit. These works included the construction of an iron bridge across Sungai Melipis as well as an iron jetty there, a cement walkway, and also the replacement of old, worn- out roofing to a spandex one.
The chieftain also expressed thanks for the distribution of minor rural project ( MRP) allocations for the longhouse security and development committees (JKKKs). He also observed that some local landowners had commenced the planting of high-yielding, cloned rubber trees – thanks to government’s assistance.
“Life is getting better now, and we have you (Nanta and Jamit) to thank for,” said Sigih.
Sigih Emperan, Longhouse chieftain
“We pledge to give strong support to you as our elected representatives. We are confident that you would continue to take care of us well and bring about a better future through integrated social- economic planning,” said Sigih.
In his remarks, Jamit thanked the longhouse folk for their continuous support to him and Nanta, adding that he would definitely reciprocate by serving his constituents to the best of his abilities.
On Jalan Melipis, the assemblyman was pleased to announce that the government, through Public Works Department (JKR) would conduct repair, upgrading and tar-sealing works on the road.
Kapit MP’s special affairs officer Ambrose Abong Bugek and parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) Bukit Goram branch deputy chairman Watson Awan accompanied Jamit during the visit.