Dennis (seated seventh right) with some of the volunteers.
Dennis clearing the road sign which is covered by creeper plants.
LONG LAMA (Baram): A group of volunteers from several settlements and longhouses in Telang Usan constituency have proven that a lot can be done and achieved through ‘gotong royong’.
Bringing along parangs and grass cutters, the volunteers on Monday held a gotong royong (work party) to clear the bushes and cut grass along both sides of the road from Telang Usan Sub-District Office up to the Long Lama ferry point.
Joining the volunteers was Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
They also did clearing and beautification works and planted the national flower ‘Bunga Raya’ or hibiscus supplied by Miri City Council in the compound of both the Telang Usan Sub-District Office and Lama Health Clinic.
“After not receiving positive reply from the agencies concerned on road maintenance including cutting of grass along the road which links Long Lama and settlements and longhouses in Telang Usan constituency or Baram in general, I initiated and proposed this ‘gotong royong’ which was well received by the sub-district office and the people,” said Dennis.
Both sides of the roads were overgrown with ‘lallang’ and tall grass while creepers covered all road signs along the area.
“The unkept and untidy area leaves bad and negative impression on both the people and the area,” said Dennis.
Meanwhile, district officer Baru Tai said the ‘gotong royong’ not only saved cost and time but had also fostered unity and better understanding among the people.