Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili
KOTA MARUDU: The 24 families who lost their homes when fire razed their wooden longhouse at Kg Minikodong in the sub-district of Matunggong last July 7, will soon have a new and better-built longhouse.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the building of the longhouse on the same site was officiated by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili recently.
The RM1.3 million allocation under the National Disaster Council will not only provide the villagers with a 25-unit, semi-concrete longhouse that includes a common unit for their activities, but steps are also being taken to upgrade the existing gravel road that leads to their longhouse.
“Upgrading of the road is necessary to enable the transportation of building materials and this initiative by the contractor will also benefit the people living in the area,” said Ongkili, here, today.
In the July fire, many of the affected Rungus families lost their heirloom and valuables such as antique gongs.
Ongkili, who is also Kota Marudu MP, had quickly come to the longhouse dwellers’ aid including getting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s approval within three days since the fire for funds to rebuild the longhouse.
Ongkili also got various departments, NGOs and individuals to donate essential items such as food, cooking utensils, clothing, school uniforms and cash including from the MP’s Office.
“The delay in the construction of the longhouse is because the agency concerned wanted to apply the standard procedure including the normal tender process.
“In the case of a disaster like this, I think the processes involved should be simplified because the needs of the people are urgent,” he said.
Nevertheless, Ongkili said the people were fortunate as the prime minister himself had personally given attention to their plight, because the Barisan Nasional government was concerned about the welfare of the rural people and delivered its promises.
“This shows the government walks the talk. These fire victims can start to rebuild their lives and look forward to moving into their new homes,” he added. — Bernama