By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, July 20: The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Serian branch will have its Community Centre located in Serian town (opposite Serian Hospital).
Built at a cost of about RM4.3 million on a 0.58 acre parcel of land, the centre is expected to be completed in 15 months time.
After officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony, Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee said, the centre will be a two-storey building with a seminar room, hostel for men and women and a canteen, which are among the components.
According to Sagah, the fund was allocated by Sarawak government, and given during the time of Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, who was then Minister of Education and Advisor of DBNA.
“With the completion of the centre 15 months from now, the Bidayuh in Serian will have a place to organise activities that that will benefit the community.
“But that of course it doesn’t mean only for the Bidayuh, but other communities as well and with minimal fees,” Sagah told reporters at the site.
Earlier, Sagah who is Tarat assemblyman said it was crucial that the centre become a place to organise educational activities for youths.
He suggested that DBNA Serian branch also liaise with the Serian district Education office, Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Serian and other agencies for such purposes.
“For this Committee Centre, I want it to be fully utilised for meaningful purposes,” Sagah reminded, adding that DBNA Serian is among the oldest branches of the association.
DBNA deputy president Dr Charlie Unggang said the centre was a dream come true for the community in the area.
“It has been a long and winding road for us to get this building to materialise and now it is finally being built,”Charlie, who is DBNA Serian branch chairman said.
He thanked all the Bidayuh elected representatives in the area for assisting in making the project a reality.
Present at the ceremony were Serian MP Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem, Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sindang Bada and Manyin. — DayakDaily
