By Shikin Louis
SIMUNJAN, May 1: The Sarawak government will rebuild a new ‘benteng’ (retaining wall) to resolve serious erosion problems in Simunjan after the previous one collapsed.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that the ‘benteng’ has collapsed a few times because the lower part of the structure was not built to reach the seabed.
“When the ‘benteng’ is constructed not reaching the seabed, this causes the water to erode the land exposed through the gap between the ‘benteng’ and the seabed.
“When the water comes through the gap, there will be a leak that will cause the ‘benteng’ to collapse,” he said after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering for Simunjan District held at Dewan Mesra Simunjan here today.
Following this, Abang Johari said the State government will build a new ‘benteng’ where its whole structure must penetrate through the seabed so that water will not enter through the gap.
“We have approved the construction project for a new ‘benteng’ in Simunjan with the hope that these engineers will ensure that the new ‘benteng’ will stand strong,” he added.
At the same time, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has approved the development of a new resettlement scheme (SPS) area in Simunjan.
The new housing area, he said, will be similar to Sungai Bedaun in Kuching and Kemunyang in Sibu.
“Since the elected representative has submitted the request and the Sarawak government has the money, we will build the new housing in Simunjan,” he emphasised.
Under the scheme, the State government will bear the costs for ‘tembok tanah’ (refilling work), utility installation, drains and roads, while the applicants only pay for the house with a loan available from Mutiara Mortgage and Finance and a deposit of RM10,000 from the State government. — DayakDaily
