Pesta 1Singai triggers positive vibes in Tondong

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Henry (fourth left ) cutting the ribbon to launch Pesta 1Singai 2016. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa

Henry (fourth left ) cutting the ribbon to launch Pesta 1Singai 2016. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa

BAU: The annual Pesta 1Singai organised by Putra Sentosa Development Sdn Bhd has brought about a new symbol of continuous and vibrant development in rural Tondong Town and Bau in general.

Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep said this is the third year running that the festival is being held in the vicinity of 1Singai Commercial Centre Tondong and it has become one of the organiser’s Corporate Social Responsibilty (CSR) programme for the people in the area.

“Such CSR programme and festival activity is very much encouraged as it contributes to boosting socio economic development in the area by providing the local community especially youths ample business opportunities,” he said when launching the festival yesterday.

“This festival also attracts visitors from near and far so this augurs well for our plan to enliven and bring further business and development into the area, especially now that Tondong Town is building more shops for commercial purposes,” he added.

Various activities are being showcased during the 3-day festival such as recreational sports, futsal, beauty pageant, boxing, music and dances apart from sales of food and beverages.

Henry advised young people to participate in this kind of event because it is a platform to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

“This is what we want to see in our youths and especially rural youths for them to improve so that one day they can build their own business entity.”

Despite the area being developed with new commercial centre, old Tondong Town would be preserved to become a tourist attraction.He said the government had approved building of Tondong and Buso bridges which  would improve connectivity in the areas as people could access the new Kuching /Bau Road from the old Kuching/Bau Road and vice-versa and to Bau Town proper.

“Once the development projects are completed, several old towns in the vicinity namely Musi, Tondong, Buso and Saniawan will be transformed through greater connectivity with Bau Town.

“This will create big socio -economic impact in this area,” he enthused.

Henry said these development would transform the rural setting of these areas into vibrant commercial centres in line with the state government’s rural transformation programme.

At the function, Henry presented mock keys to house owners in his constituency who were given housing assistance by the government.

Also present were Bau District Officer Anelia Siam, managing director of Putra Sentosa Development Sdn Bhd, Suraya Julot and community leaders.