SIBU: Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Harry Jinep has committed to assisting in the realisation of Durin residents’ dream to have their own waterfront.
He expressed his intention to collaborate with the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC), chaired by Councillor Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, to formulate a proposal for the waterfront project.
Henry said having a waterfront area is synonymous with towns and cities that have rivers, such as Durin town, adding that many were constructed in towns such as Selangau and Kanowit.
“I have discussed with SRDC’s Chairman Councillor Sempurai Petrus Ngelai to prepare the proposal paper, and I will then discuss with Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as this area falls under his jurisdiction.
“He will bring it up to the Sarawak Government for allocation to develop the waterfront in Durin. I do not have the authority to approve the proposal, but I will work with SRDC to present the proposal (to Tiong) to assist in making this dream a reality,” said Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman.
He said this in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Simfoni Batang Rajang, which was jointly organised with Karnival Kebudayaan Durin (KKD) at Durin Bazaar here last night (Apr 27).
Henry stressed the need for the proposal’s completion before the next State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session to present it to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Regarding the suggestion from organising chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew to establish a platform in Durin for powerboat competitions, he pledged to discuss it with the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB).
“I have conferred with the SRB controller on how we can aid in constructing a jetty for boat competitions next year, similar to the pontoon serving as a platform for remote control boats,” he added.
Henry also presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a roof installation for the jetty on the banks of Durin town river, funded at RM30,000, allocated during his visit to inspect the jetty last year.
This year’s KKD and Simfoni Batang Rajang were jointly organised, with the Simfoni Batang Rajang night scheduled for April 27 from 6pm to midnight. It features a concert by international sape artist Thambunesia from Indonesia and local sape artists such as Mathew Ngau, Jerry Kamit, Klunan Maggat, and the Kemada group.
KKD spanned three days from April 26 to 28, featuring various activities such as remote-controlled boat competitions and sepak takraw competitions.
Also present were Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, SRB controller Lieutenant Col Ding Tiew Wong (Rtd), SRDC Secretary Ng Siang Wei and Henry’s wife Datin Christina Esni Mied.
