SPAOH: The new Nanga Pik longhouse is a testament to the steadfast unity, good leadership and resilience of its residents, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier said despite facing numerous challenges, the community’s determination and unified efforts has led to the realisation of this significant achievement.
“Despite facing myriad challenges and obstacles, you all have managed to construct a modern and concrete longhouse.This is because you all have chosen to speak in only one voice.
“I am very proud of your achievement. It definitely has not been an easy task. Your longhouse is also a sign that the former state Barisan Nasional (BN) to the current Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) governments have not neglected the rural folks wherever they are through their respective policies,” Uggah said.
Uggah said this when officiating at the house warming ceremony here today (Apr 11).
Also present were Uggah’s wife Datuk Doreen Mayang, Betong MP Dr Richard Rapu, Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and Krian assemblyman Friday Belik.
He said the residents too had been staunch supporters of the state government.
“Now you have reaped the benefits. Previously, to reach Nanga Pik, we had to walk some distances before continuing with a long boat ride. Now, Nanga Pik is about a three hours drive from Kuching through the Pan Borneo Highway.
“Now your today is better than yesterday and your tomorrow will be better than today,” he added.
Beyond infrastructure, Uggah also acknowledged the community’s investment in education, boasting 19 graduates, including two PhD holders and a medical doctor in specialist training.
On another note, Uggah added a sum of RM33 million had been allocated to carry out socio-economic activities to help the residents of the Bukit Saban constituency to generate income.
He said a sum of RM25 million too had been allocated for the upgrading of the Ulu Rimbas road here set to benefit 13 longhouses.
