Gerawat directs Resident’s Office, JKR Miri to seek emergency funds for Long Lellang access
by Jenifer Laeng · Borneo Post OnlineMIRI (April 7): Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala has requested the Resident’s Office and the Public Works Department (JKR) Miri to take immediate action by applying for emergency funds from the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Disaster Management Fund to repair damaged culverts and restore access to Long Lellang.
The request follows ongoing disruptions caused by deteriorating road infrastructure and a near-collapse of several logging bridge along the only access route to the highland village, which has severely affected the delivery of essential supplies and livelihood of the community.
In a statement, the Mulu assemblyman said he was informed by the Long Lellang A headman that two culverts near the village have suffered serious structural damage, while another is in a critical condition and may collapse at any time.
“This situation has caused the community to be temporarily cut off for several days, severely affecting the mobility and daily needs of the residents. Of particular concern is the situation faced by SK Long Lellang, which is currently running very low on food rations for its boarding students.
“Should the delivery of these essential supplies be further delayed, it will inevitably disrupt the teaching and learning process, as the majority of students at SK Long Lellang are hostel residents who rely on the school for their daily meals and welfare,” he said.
Gerawat added that upon learning of the situation, he immediately brought the matter to the attention of the Resident of Miri Division as well as the divisional engineer of JKR Miri.
On longer-term measures, he said the state government has already planned to upgrade the Long Lellang road under the Highland Development Agency (HDA).
He noted that the project is currently at the tender stage and is expected to be awarded soon, with construction works anticipated to begin in early June this year.
“Nevertheless, given the current circumstances, immediate remedial measures are essential to ensure road access to Long Lellang is restored without delay, so that essential supplies for the local community, the school and clinic can reach Long Lellang,” he stressed.