SERIAN: The residents of Kampung Ensebang Padang Bilun can gather and celebrate their Gawai eve by using their newly completed community hall this year.
The new community hall, costing RM300,000, was declared open by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who is also the Balai Ringin assemblyman, recently.
Snowdan said the community hall plays an important role as a focal point of meeting for those settlements without the ruai (common area) as compared to that of a longhouse.
“The community hall serves many purposes such as meetings, celebratory activities like Gawai, Christmas, weddings, sales (tamu), short courses, or for use during government official functions to conduct briefings by medical teams, agricultural, or educational talks, and many others.
“Meaning it is a focal point to forge unity where the people converge during a common function,” he said at the opening ceremony here.
Snowdan also stressed the importance of longhouse chiefs monitoring rural RTP projects being implemented in their village by the contractors.
“Ensure that the progress works are done in accordance with the scope of works specifications as stipulated in the contract documents and the letter of acceptance.
“Highlight any discrepancies or shortcomings to the implementing agencies concerned such as Public Works Department (JKR), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), or Serian District Council (MDS) for that matter when you notice any irregularities.
“Provide the necessary cooperation and work closely with the implementing agencies to speed up project completion while we also can minimise wastage of governmental resources and time due to improper implementation.”
During the event, he also handed over a certificate of appointment to TR Bunan Bael of Kampung Ruan Lubang Tiong, which is situated along Jalan Simunjan.
At the same time, Snowdan also received new Parti Rakyat Sarawak membership applications from Kampung Tapang Lebat, which were handed over by TR Bana Entili.
He also granted MRP fund allocation of RM10,000 to the respective Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) and RM5,000 to the Women’s Bureau to fund their activities.
Also speaking during the event were Datuk Temenggong Harrison Lunsa touching on customs and traditions while Sarawak administrative officer for Balai Ringin Sub District, Mohd Adam Abdullah, touched on their regulatory roles and also that of the Penghulu (chieftains), Tuai Rumah (headmen), and JKKK reporting requirements.
