FLOODS are nothing new to the riverine folks of Long Panai Apoh, Baram, and because of the frequent deluge, a secondary school – SMK Tutoh Apoh – in the area is said to be hit 18 times a year.
FLOOD-PRONE: Overview of SMK Tutoh Apoh during the flooding season.
Not only the school, all the nearby villagers are also worried about the havoc flooding can wreak when the Tutoh River breaks its banks and inundates Apoh – and it’s usually worse with downpours in the upper reaches of the river.
“Since 1985, we have been facing flood problems – the foundation of our house, located very close the river, is being eroded,” said Umo Beluvo longhouse chief, Gilbert Ding Laing, 65, of Long Panai Village.
According to him, the frequent flooding has caused cracks to appear in some parts of the concrete floor and walls in the longhouse and the residents are worried severe landslides that occurred near the longhouse about 40 years ago might happen again.
The mudslides back then were so massive that the Tutoh River became impassable. It was only after the debris were cleared after sometime that river crafts could pass through. The villagers are worried such natural disasters will recur if the flood problem remains unsolved.
To prevent erosion and flooding, the Umo Beluvo longhouse residents are requesting for a retaining wall to be built along the riverbank.
“Some parts of the longhouse are located very near the river – only about 20 metres away,” Gilbert told thesundaypost during the recent working visit to Tutoh Apoh by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.
Cracks along the concrete floor of the longhouse indicate another hit could bring down the whole structure.
The residents also need an evacuation centre such as a mult-purpose hall for temporary resettlement in the event of floods or mudslides.
“We need a hall not only for events or meetings but during emergencies,” Gilbert said.
He hoped the multi-purpose hall, if it is to be built, will be sited on higher ground for safety reasons.
Power problems
The Long Panai Apoh village, occupied by the Kenyah and Kayan communities, comprises seven longhouses and is provided with basic facilities such as a clinic, a school and a canteen.
Through stories and experiences related by Gilbert, flooding is not the only problem besetting the residents.
About 2,000 occupants 117 doors are mainly farmers. Uncertain incomes and an acute lack of electricity supply are proving a heavy burden to the population.
“The people now get electricity through a fuel-powered generator which has added to their daily expenses,” Gilbert lamented.
He said the daily need for electricity is presently high because the residents were making use of various household appliances.
“All these need power to operate,” he noted.
Mini-hydro projects
Referring to mini-hydro projects, he hoped one could be implemented in his area, saying last year, Public Works Department (PWD) engineers came to conduct a potential project assessment.
“Not only will the longhouse people benefit from a mini-hydro project, all the nearby communities, including schools, will also stand to gain.”
He thanked Muhyiddin for taking the time to visit Tutoh Apoh.
“Through the Deputy Prime Minister’s working visit, we know problems of people in the rural areas like us will be noted and given the same attention as those in the urban areas.”
Muhyiddin had a first-hand look at the SMK Tutoh Apoh project where a new building will be put up on higher ground to replace the present one on low-lying land.
He announced an allocation has been aside to mitigate the flood situation as well as improve the facilities at the school.
According to Gilbert, although the community is about five hours (by express boat) from the Kuala Baram Miri jetty, the education of the children has not been neglected.
“Ours is a farming community but we have produced some 200 graduates, including three lawyers and four engineers,” he said proudly.