By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Jan 18: Residents of six villages along the upper reaches of the Bakun HEP Dam and Linau River are sending an urgent appeal to the government to clear the huge logjam which has clogged their waterways.
The villages which have been greatly affected are Naha Nyabong, Sang Anau, Long Keboho, Naha Jalei, Long Jawe, and Long Busang.
In highlighting this, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang said he is making this latest appeal after his recent call for assistance fell on deaf ears.
“I am making this appeal for urgent assistance from the government especially from our YAB Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for immediate assistance for these people who have cried for help,” Liwan told DayakDaily here today.
Liwan added that he has no means to assist those who have cried for help as he has limited resources for this massive undertaking.
“They have informed me of their latest predicament. So, now it is only through this platform that is left for me to highlight their needs.
He asserted that is indeed a matter of urgency to clear the debris as it impede their movement as river transportation is the main mode of transportation for them.
Liwan, who is also the Assistant Minister of Utilities (Rural Electricity Supply) reiterated that the people are not asking for too much but for the authorities to clear the way for their boats to pass through.
“At the moment, the areas affected is clogged badly with debris that makes navigation almost impossible,” he said.
Liwan said, the problem of debris would not cease as long as logging activities are ongoing along the upper reaches of the Balui and Linau Rivers, which are tributaries that feed the Bakun HEP Dam.
Liwan had highlighted the issue on Nov 16, 2020. — DayakDaily
