LONG NA’AH, Baram: The fire that occurred in Long Na’ah in 2003 has denied villagers access to treated and clean water as some parts of the piping system were destroyed, some beyond repair.
Prior to the fire, the villagers had been enjoying piped water, thanks to the system fixed by the government through Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu.
Following the fire, the villagers were back to square one as they had to fetch water from the river and harvest rain water for their daily chores.
Without the means and knowledge on how to repair or replace the water system, the villagers were relieved when opportunity presented itself two years ago through a dialogue on the proposed Baram dam between representatives from the government, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) and the people together with their community leaders.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and SEB chief executive officer Datuk Torstien Dale Sjotviet were among those present.
The water woes came to light when Ngau discovered the tap was dry when he wanted to wash his hands in one of the kitchens.
Concerned about the wellbeing of the villagers, he approached Sjotviet for the best way possible for the utility company to remedy the situation.
Sjotviet then requested for a proper working paper to be submitted to SEB for consideration.
Yesterday, SEB, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, handed over a new gravity feed water system to the settlement and its people.
“I am thankful and delighted to see the quick and positive response shown by Sarawak Energy especially its chief executive officer in answering the request and need of the people. Without the contribution and help from Sarawak Energy, it would be a long wait and may be impossible for the people to get a new system,” said Ngau, who launched the new water system recently.
Applauding SEB, Ngau hoped other corporate bodies would come forward to assist the local community.
At the same time, he commended other companies operating in the area for helping the local community in various ways.
In urging the villagers to set up a committee to maintain and look after the new water system, Ngau announced a grant of RM10,000 for its maintenance and purchase of spare parts.
Meanwhile, the villagers submitted some requests to SEB; among them for a generator set. Sjotveit, in his response, said that they would study and consider their requests.