Manyin: Works on Serian Division administrative complex to start soon
SERIAN: The much- awaited construction of the division’s administrative complex is expected to kick off soon, as the project has been tendered out.
According to Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin, the complex is scheduled to be ready within two years after project kick- off.
Manyin, who played a key role in Serian being elevated into a division in 2014, said many had enquired about the status of the project which was announced by Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who was Sarawak’s fifth chief minister, in April 2014.
The present Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the earth-breaking ceremony in April 2017.
“I want to inform all of you that the complex project has been tendered out, and the tender offered to a developer.
“As for the conference centre (to be built adjacent to the complex), it will also be tendered out soon and I believe it can be completed in two years as well,” Manyin spoke during an appreciation dinner for outgoing local community leaders and village chiefs at Serian Community Hall on Saturday.
According to previous news reports, both projects would cost about RM200 million. It was also reported earlier that the administrative complex would incorporate the iconic design featuring the ‘baruk’ (traditional roundhouse) architecture of the Bidayuhs to reflect this local ethnic group, which makes up the majority of the Serian population.
On the other hand, the conference centre would be the first of its kind for an administrative division, set to replace the ‘ Dewan Suarah’ (civic centre) concept.
Manyin, who is Tebedu assemblyman, also said both projects are needed by Serian Division, which has been growing despite it being Sarawak’s ‘ youngest’ administrative division.
The elevation of Serian as Sarawak’s 12th division, announced by Adenan in April 2014, also resulted in Tebedu being elevated into a district, and Siburan into sub- district – all of which are under Serian.
“In terms of population, Serian is bigger than Kapit, Limbang, Mukah, Betong, Sarikei and probably Sri Aman. In terms of number of schools, we have second biggest number after Sibu,” said Manyin.
However, he also expressed his disappointment that some federal projects had not been implemented by the new federal government, led by Pakatan Harapan ( PH).
He said these projects included a new polyclinic for Serian which was approved by the previous federal government under Barisan Nasional; and the upgrading of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex ( ICQS) in Tebedu, which was agreed upon by the then-BN federal government to be done jointly with the Sarawak government.
“The polyclinic’s site has been cleared and levelled. But it seems that the PH government is reviewing the project. The same probably goes with the ICQS in Tebedu,” said Manyin.
Meanwhile, the event organised by Serian Division Bidayuh Village Chiefs and Community Leaders Association, also held the presentation of certificates of appreciation to one outgoing Penghulu and 13 outgoing village chiefs.
The audience were also introduced to the new Serian Deputy Resident, Selamat Jati Yanjah, who reported for duty recently.
Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, political secretary to chief minister Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Veterinary Services Department Sarawak director Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Serian District Officer Lim Hock Meng, Serian District Council secretary Constantine Jonas, Tebedu District Officer Raymond Achen and Serian Bidayuh Temenggong Henry Bujang Sadok were among those present.