Iban community chiefs unhappy with mayor’s response
MIRI: Iban community leaders here are unhappy with Miri mayor Lawrence Lai’s response to complaints regarding an incomplete drainage project in front of the new Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Lambir.
Lai had said that the project was not abandoned and already in the Miri City Council’s ( MCC) development plan.
“Yes it is an abandoned project as after a few years the drainage system project is still not completed,” Penghulu Randi Elon told The Borneo Post.
According to Randi, if the community leaders had not highlighted the issue recently, MCC would unlikely continue with the project.
On Lai’s statement that it involved private land, Randi said the mayor must see the problem for himself on the ground.
“Why was the existing drainage constructed there but the remaining section is under the so- called ‘private land’. It is
Why was the existing drainage constructed there but the remaining section is under the so-called ‘private land’. It is a road reserve. Tell us how far is the distance of road reserve from the existing road?
Penghulu Randi Elon
a road reserve.
“Tell us how far is the distance of road reserve from the existing road?” he questioned.
He pointed out that while Lai had claimed funding could not be used for public infrastructure on private land, the drains constructed by MCC on the opposite side are actually on church land – Lot 94 of Lambir Land District.
“Please don’t give too many reasons as it only involves a kampung project. Don’t prolong the matter but solve it wisely,” said Tuai Rumah Vincent Sujang.
Other community leaders voicing their discontent with Lai’s reply were Pemanca Wilson Siang Lim, Tuai Rumah Mawan Lalen, Tuai Rumah Jarek Klambu, Tuai Rumah Linggie Belaja, Tuai Rumah Johnapi Beti, Tuai Rumah Meli Manggang, Tuai Rumah Nunong Sigat, Tuai Rumah Bayong Anggai, Tuai Rumah Samin Itoh, Tuai Rumah Nuja Tinsui, Tuai Rumah Lajoh Buda and Tuai Rumah Anu Erang.
The community leaders had previously complained that the project was abandoned three years ago resulting in an incomplete drain right in front of the church, which led to flash f loods as there was no proper outlet for the water.