Rep urges immediate relocation of schools affected by floods, infrastructure upgrades in Tamin
KUCHING (May 22): Several schools in the Tamin constituency may need to be relocated due to frequent flooding, said its assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang.
He emphasised that schools regularly affected by floods must be moved to safer, more strategic locations, adding that education is the foundation of progress, and no child should have their learning disrupted due to environmental challenges.
'This requires immediate action in identifying suitable areas, allocating funds, and fast-tracking construction to guarantee uninterrupted education for our future generations.
'I am appealing to government to relocate the schools namely, SK Ng Selangau, SK Kua Selangau, SK Sg Buluh and SK Pelugau,' he said in his Motion of Appreciation to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Gira also called for the establishment of a Selangau District Education Office to better serve the needs of the local community.
In addition to education-related matters, he outlined several key development priorities for the Tamin constituency.
These included infrastructure upgrades, improved rural water and electricity supply, enhanced internet connectivity, and support for agriculture, housing, and youth development.
On infrastructure, he requested that several gravel roads be upgraded to tar-sealed roads. These include Jalan Sapudun Balingian Selangau, Jalan Ng Sekuau to SK Pakoh Ulu Oya Selangau, Jalan Ulu Selangau, and Jalan SK Pakoh to Jalan Ulu Bunau Oya.
On rural water supply, Gira appealed to the federal government to expedite the construction of the long-awaited Stapang/Sekuau water treatment plant, first announced in 2016 with an allocation of RM117 million.
He also urged the swift implementation of the RM200 million upgrade for the Selangau Water Treatment Plant, including pipe installation to designated areas.
Electricity supply remains inconsistent in some longhouses, with applications still pending under the Additional Late Applicant Fund (Alaf) programme.
Gira called for faster approval and an upgrade from single-phase to two-phase power in areas where demand exceeds capacity.
On digital connectivity, he pressed for all telecommunications towers built in Tamin to be made fully operational to help close the digital divide.
For the agricultural sector, Gira urged the government to provide support to oil palm, coffee, and rubber farmers through subsidies, training programmes, and financial assistance.
He also advocated for the speedy construction of the Selangau Mini Sports Complex and affordable housing projects in Selangau town to enhance community wellbeing.
To spur local tourism and recreation, Gira proposed the development of eco-tourism and leisure spots in Ulu Oya, Ulu Mukah, and Ulu Selangau.
In a bid to empower local talent and entrepreneurship, he called for the creation of a Craft Centre and SME Hub in Selangau to support artisans and small business owners.
Gira also voiced concern over rising drug abuse and illegal online gambling, particularly among youth, urging authorities to implement effective preventive measures.
Lastly, he highlighted the importance of completing the Survey of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to safeguard indigenous ownership.
He urged the government to allocate more resources to the Land and Survey Department to expedite outstanding surveys in Tamin. Christopher Gira Sambang DUN flood schools
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