Dennis shows the working paper on Long Lama integrated recreational centre project.
MIRI: The just-approved integrated recreational centre project in Long Lama reflects the Sarawak government’s mission for every district and sub-district in the state to have its own sports complex, says Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
According to him, the centre would be sited on a 10-acre land within the Rural Growth Centre (RGC) in Long Lama, which is already housing many infrastructures including housing and commercial hubs, an Orang Ulu cultural museum, as well as a collection-processing-packaging centre (CPPC) for the local agriculture sector.
In this respect, the assemblyman expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving the project with an allocation of RM15 million.
Moreover, Dennis said Abang Johari had also advised him to work closely together with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sarawak regarding the project and also the programmes to be run once the facility was ready.
Abang Johari announced the approval for the integrated recreational centre project in Long Lama in his speech for the handing-over of the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) systems to the local community, held at Long Pilah in Ulu Baram last Saturday.
“We hope that the construction would begin soon, and the works would reach completion within the next two years,” said Dennis, adding that that the site for the centre had been identified – it would be located not far from the Long Lama Clinic.
“The components of this complex would include a fully-equipped track-and-field facility, as well as a futsal court that could also be turned into a multi-purpose hall that should be able to accommodate large religious and community events.
“The centre would also come complete with an office, and also changing rooms for athletes,” said Dennis.
Asked about his vision for Long Lama to have its own integrated recreational centre, Dennis expressed his hope that from this hub, Telang Usan would unearth more talented sportsmen and sportswomen.
“Actually, we have produced many good athletes such as football player Joseph Kalang Tie; there’s also a girl from Long Laput who had gone representing Sarawak at a national inter-school sports league and won.
“So, with proper facilities, we could produce even more sportsmen and sportswomen,” he said.