Elias (left) receiving completed DTTG membership forms from Edward.
The condition of the river where the longhouse folks collect water for their daily use.
MIRI: The Dayak Think Tank Group (DTTG) Miri Branch paid a visit to Rumah Edward Ekau longhouse in Sungai Serungut, Suai, Niah, about 75km from Miri on Sept 18 to see the livelihood of the longhouse folks.
The visit to the longhouse which is home to some 80 people was headed by DTTG Miri chairman Elias Lipi Mat. Also present were DTTG Miri deputy chairman Philip Asry and committee members of DTTG Miri.
“It is sad to see the hardship these longhouse folks are going through on a daily basis. They are left behind in terms of development because they do not even have basic facilities such as clean water supply, 24-hour electricity and proper road,” claimed Elias. He said electricity is an important factor in the development of an area.
“Electrical wiring and cable laying was done about five years ago but until today, there is no electricity supply in the longhouse. I was informed by the longhouse chief that he had referred the matter to the authority concerned several times but until now there has been no progress,” he said.
He hoped the longhouse folks could enjoy basic amenities like those in the city, as currently they rely on gasolene lamps and candles to light up their houses at night.
‘Kampung Sungai Serungut is only about 75km from Miri, yet the villagers do not have clean water supply but depend on a nearby river for water.
“They depend on river water for their daily use, but it will be a problem when the river gets muddy during the rainy season,” he said adding that it gets worse during the dry season when they have to find other sources of water.
Elias also pointed out that the main road in the village is a gravel and dirt road and it is in bad condition, especially during the rainy season.
“The longhouse folks hope that the road can be improved. It is very narrow and can be very muddy when it rains. There are also potholes which endanger those using the road,” he said.
He added that the poor road condition also makes it a struggle, especially at night, for the villagers to take sick family members for medical treatment in a nearby town or even to clinics or hospitals in Miri.
“We feel very sad to see what they have to go through on a daily basis. Such problems should not be happening in this modern time.
“We hope the authority can look into this matter and lighten the burden and struggles of the longhouse folks,” he said.