KAPIT: District Officer Elvis Didit urged longhouse chieftains to look beyond the horizon instead of focusing on petty issues in and around their longhouses.
Elvis Didit
They should look at bigger projects that would bring better impact to the community, he said at Rumah Baling, Batu Bunsu,BalehRiveron Friday evening during the ‘Leader And The People’ gathering.
“As such, Tuai Rumah and JKKK (Village Development and Security Committee) instead of zooming down on only petty development projects within the vicinity of their respective longhouses should think and plan for bigger agenda: road connectivity, piped water supply, rural electricity supply etc that bring positive impact to their future,” he elaborated.
Heads of government departments, Pemanca David Dian, Pemanca Tony Kulleh, Pemanca Saging Bit, Pemanca Umek Jeno, Penghulu Danny Ibang and Penghulu Jampi Raweng were among some of the 500 people at the gathering.
Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo officiated at the function.
Elvis stressed that to change mindsets, it must start with the chieftains. They must not bore down on micro projects — MRP (minor rural projects) such as changing of roofing to zinc sheets, installing plywood for ceiling and building cement paths.
“To bring changes to the longhouse, one can’t depend on the Tuai Rumah alone. Those educated, experienced and knowledgeable ones should come back to the longhouse to help. Only then, changes could materialise. Team work should be our ‘work culture’. It’s not just Rando (Resident and District Office), but all government departments and all strata of society. With team work, project implementation can be very fast and it benefits everybody,” he added.
For petty projects, the chieftains and JKKK could approach the relevant government departments or agencies for assistance. To help the departments expedite their work, a proper written proposal should be submitted.
Elvis urged assemblymen who visit the longhouses to look at the bigger picture at issues like road connectivity and electricity and piped water supply that would bring a positive impact.
Citing road connectivity from town to a longhouse, Elvis explained this would affect the pattern of livelihood of the villagers, providing a cheap and convenient mode of transportation instead of depending solely on river. This would also help farmers sell their market produce in the town.
With electricity and water supply, the quality of life would improve leading to healthier living and children could study better at night instead of relying on kerosene lamps for light.