Ulu Baram village to receive alternative water supply
MIRI: The Sarawak government has approved nearly half a million ringgit for the implementation of an alternative water supply project for Kampung Long Puak in Ulu Baram.
This was revealed by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, who said the project is set to implemented ‘soon’.
“Last year, there was a group of youths from Peninsular Malaysia who visited Kampung Long Puak and conducted a study on alternative water supply project for rural folks.
“Then, the group did a working paper on the project and I’ve brought them to see the chief minister ( Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg), who approved almost half a million (ringgit) for the implementation of the project,” he said when launching the Kampung Uma Akeh Youth Club ( Kebuma) here on Saturday.
Dennis said he hopes the project serves as a model for alternative water supply projects in Ulu Baram, particular in his constituency.
According to him, the Highland Development Agency ( HDA) has approved the construction of water treatment plants for areas such Long San, Long Miri, Long Pilah and Long Bemang, where each plant is to cost between RM10 million and RM15 million.
“While waiting for the implementation of the waterplant project, which is for the long term, the alternative water supply project for Kampung Long Puak will at least speed up the supply of clean water to the longhouse folk,” he said.
Dennis said the project will kick- off in one or two months, adding that he hopes the village folk – youths in particular – give their full support as it is being done on a gotong-royong (work party) basis.
Once the project is successfully implemented, a similar one will be done in Kampung Uma Akeh, he revealed.
In addition, he said the people in Telang Usan expect to see more development projects for the constituency, particularly the upgrading of existing roads.
Meanwhile, when commenting on Kebuma, Dennis expressed his hope for more such youth clubs to be set up in his constituency.
“I believe the formation of such youth clubs under the Ministry of Youth and Sports can enhance rural youth development as the ministry has various good programmes,” he said, before announcing a government grant of RM7,000 for Kebuma.
Among those present were political secretary to the chief minister Charles Balan Seling, Miri Division Youth and Sports officer Mohammad Shukeri Drahman, Kampung Uma Akeh chief Ketua Kaum Anthony Ngau who is also Kebuma advisor, and Kebuma chairman Spanski Steven.