Wong (seated centre), Dr Wong Chya Wei (seated left), Kong (seated second right) and others pose for a group photo. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (June 2): A RM600,000 steel bridge measuring 30 metres in length and 3.65 metres in width will be constructed at Rumah Peter Anthony in Durin near here, according to Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Dudong branch chairman Wong Ching Yong.
He said the federally funded project is scheduled to begin after the Gawai Dayak celebration.
“The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) has approved the project, with funding provided by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
“I submitted an application for funding through SRDC to KPKT, and it was subsequently approved,” Wong told reporters during the SUPP Dudong and SUPP Sibu Jaya mobile service programme at Tiong Hua Temporary Market here on Sunday.
He noted that the existing wooden bridge, which was built many years ago, is now in a dilapidated condition.
“A total of 13 families from the longhouse rely on the bridge for their daily commute.
“Upon completion, the bridge will resolve the long-standing commuting difficulties faced by local residents,” added Wong, who is also SRDC deputy chairman.
He added that about 70 per cent of infrastructure-related issues raised by residents through the mobile service programme, including drainage, street lighting and bridge-related matters, had been resolved, citing the Rumah Peter Anthony bridge project as one example.
However, he said some issues remain unresolved as they are still awaiting funding approval.
Wong also explained that family disputes, particularly marital issues, fall outside the scope of the service team and are referred to the relevant authorities for further action.
He expressed satisfaction with the positive response received by the mobile service programme, which has been running since 2020.
Wong attributed the programme’s effectiveness to the proactive role played by the branch’s Kapitans and councillors in following up on complaints and requests from the public.
SUPP Dudong vice chairman Dr Wong Chya Wei and SUPP Sibu Jaya branch chairman Kapitan Kong Sing Ping were also in attendance.