Selangau poised to become vibrant township — Rep

0

Cr Ho (second right) presents a memento to Gira, while Sempurai (second left) and others look on

SIBU: Selangau is poised to become a vibrant township as more developments are coming its way for the betterment of the residents, said Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira.

In this regard, he thanked the Sarawak government for approving projects to further spur the development of Selangau.

“These projects include a mini sport complex costing RM8 million, Selangau waterfront (RM5 million), new District Office building (RM5 million), multipurpose hall for SJKC Tong Ah Selangau (RM500,000) and upgrading of Pasai Siong Road (RM16 million).

“Works on these projects are expected to commence early next year as they are now already at the preliminary design stages,” he said when speaking at the opening of Selangau Festival 2018 last Friday.

Gira was happy to note the progress of Selangau Fire Station – now under construction, costing RM5 million.

At the function, he announced construction of a new ‘Rumah Asap’ (smoke house) for Selangau town and Sekuau to replace the existing ones for both locations.

Gira also announced building of three futsal fields in Selangau Bazaar, Tamin Batu 36 and Sekuau to provide better sports facilities for the locals.

All these projects will be implemented under the RTP (Rural Transformation Programme) project 2019, he added.

Touching on the festival, he congratulated the organiser especially Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) on successfully organising the event which has attracted many visitors.

“‘Pesta Selangau’ has become a platform for the community within this area to interact with government agencies and opportunity to promote tourism industry by organising many activities.

“I would like to see this festival as an annual event under SRDC,” Gira said.

Meanwhile, SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the festival has entered its third year.

“It is obvious that Pesta Selangau has achieved its original intent that is to promote Selangau bazaar to the people of Sarawak. (Located) next to the Batang Mukah river, Selangau bazaar is sitting at a very strategic location between Sibu, Mukah and Bintulu.

“Currently, Selangau bazaar is known for its jungle produce. This makes Selangau an ideal location for those driving along Pan Borneo to stop and get some food and buy those jungle produce,” he said.

Adding on, Sempurai said the festival serves as catalysts for the growth of entrepreneurship whereby there were more than 30 stalls selling varities of barbeque food, handicrafts, among other things.

Also present was organising chairman councillor Ho Kok Munting.