By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Jan 19: The roads leading to Kg Annah Sadir, Kg Kiding and Kg Sepit in upper Padawan which were damaged due to landslides will be repaired.
Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, however pointed out that the repair works may take time because the Public Works Department (JKR) was still assessing the damage.
In view of this, he hoped that the affected villagers would remain patient while waiting for the road repairs.
“Due to the incessant rain for the past few days, the road shoulder leading to the three villages were badly damaged and we hope that JKR will look into the matter promptly, while at the same time I urge the affected villagers to be patient because I believe that JKR is looking into the matter,” Dr Jerip, who is Assistant Minister of Transport told reporters.
He said this during his visit to villager Nona Budis, 63, from Kg Emperoh Garung, whose house was damaged by a landslide on Jan 12.
Dr Jerip said the incessant rain has also resulted in 39 reported cases of landslide in the Mambong constituency, which comprises mostly hilly terrain.
Of the total, 37 cases involved residential houses in the area, although none suffered as serious damage as compared to Nona’s house.
On the repairs for Nona’s house, Dr Jerip said works to clear the landslide has begun and expressed hope that the repair of the house will be completed in one or two weeks’ time.
“For the repair of Nona’s house, it will cost between RM30,000 and RN40,000, and I will like to thank the villagers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for chipping in (for the cost),” Dr Jerip said.
He also said part of the funding will also come from his service centre, adding that Nona, who is a widow whose husband died about five years earlier, had her house also damaged by landslide in August last year.
He revealed he has funded the repair of the house during the first incident.
Meanwhile, during the incident in Jan 12 which occurred about 8.20pm, Nona was alone watching television in the sitting room, while her five grandchildren and her daughter were inside the kitchen.
According to her, her daughter shouted at her to come out when she heard a loud sound. — DayakDaily
