By DayakDaily Team
KAPIT, Dec 10: Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi recently visited the flood victims of Rumah Dennis Langok Amang Ulu at Jalan Selirik where he extended help to them.
In a statement posted on his Facebook today, the Kapit MP said he offered immediate assistance of RM1,000 to 20 affected families living in the lower part of the longhouse and RM500 to 43 other residents who were also affected by the flood.
He also held a discussion with the longhouse chief and agreed to cover the cost of re-cementing the longhouse’s veranda and to donate a boat to be used for emergencies.
“It is hoped that this donation will, to some extent, ease the burden borne by the flood victims in addition to the assistance from the Sarawak government,” he said.
Nanta, who was in Kapit for the 100th anniversary of the Kapit Peace-making ceremony, said that on November 27, the longhouse was already flooded by 6am, leaving all the vehicles there submerged.
The incident also resulted in the death of a retired pastor, 75-year-old Bangau Amping, who was found drowned after the car he was driving became trapped and was swept away by strong floodwaters.
Meanwhile, the total loss incurred by villagers due to the flood was approximately RM200,000.
“I just visited this longhouse in September to inspect ongoing improvement and upgrading works with funds worth RM1.3 million approved by Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi last year.
“I am grateful for the funds’ approval because the improvement and upgrading works will help prevent the longhouse from being severely damaged,” he said. — DayakDaily
