By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, Aug 31: A total of 63 dilapidated houses in the Batu Kitang constituency, with repair works amounting over RM1 million, have been carried out by the state in the past two years.
Its elected representative Lo Khere Chiang said the special fund came from the Chief Minister’s Office RM1 million annual allocation to each state constituency
“We would like to express our gratitude to the chief minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) for his concern on those who needed such assistance, especially the poor in the state.
“There are many dilapidated homes that we need to provide assistance and the special fund really help the people, especially for the repairs,” he told reporters after presenting aid to bed-ridden Dinit Banying, 87, at Kampung Sinar Baru, Jalan Puncak Borneo in Padawan, here, today.
Lo paid a visit to Dinit’s house to inspect repair works that have been on the roofing, as well as basic amenities needed.
An incident occurred during the visit, where five person including four journalist became victims of a collapsed section of the house flooring. Fortunately, no one was injured.
The lawmaker cited the incident as a “blessing” coincidence, as he immediately contacted a contractor to repair the flooring and look at other things that needed to be repaired.
Lo was told of Dinit’s plight six months ago from the Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial Hospital Heritage Society president Angelina Jong.
The Sarawak United Peoples’s Party (SUPP) lawmaker spent RM15,000 for the roofing and toilet.
“Due to her old age, Dinit cannot move and fortunately they are village folks who rendered her assistance.
“The Welfare Department also acquired help from the villagers, providing them parts of her RM350 monthly aid buy her basic provisions,” Lo said.
He expressed content that the local community played their role in taking care of the octogenarian, while adding that taking care of a person goes beyond food and other basic needs, such as providing love, joy and companionship.
Lo assured that more assistance will be rendered to improve Dinit’s standard of living.
Kampung Sinar Baru is a new resettlement for the cured Leprosy patients who once received medical care and rehabilitation at the Rajah Charles Brooke Memorial Hospital.
There are 17 of these patients who are still alive and living at the settlement with their extended families. — DayakDaily
