KUCHING: A grandmother, Tatol Anak Rimpak, 73, finally has a new house built for her after living in an old dilapitated house for over 16 years. The house is situated at Mile 9, Kuching-Serian Road, and was constructed on the same site of her old house after the latter was dismantled.
Batu Kitang Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also the Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), handed over her a mock key for her new home yesterday.
According to the Chairman of RELA Communi ty Service Centre, 10th Mile, Philip Kon Siong Nyet, the construction of the new house was initiated by his members with co-operation from the army personnel from Kem Penrissen.
Material for the house cost around RM10,000, which was through contributions from various bodies solicited by the Mile 10 RELA members. The materials included spandex roofing, wood and planks, plywood, water tank and a gas stove.
“The original plan was to repair the old house but it was discovered that the house was beyond repair due to sinking floor, rotten wood and roofing.
“Thus, we decided that a new house has to be constructed,” said Philip to the media. Construction for the said house started on Oct 29 this year and continued every Sunday for four weeks until it was finally completed on Nov 26. Tatol, originally from Kpg Ijok, Engkilili, migrated to Desa Wira, Batu Kawah many years ago.
Due to certain reasons, he ended up living alone in the present house for the last 16 years. However, sometimes a grandson who is doing some odd jobs nearby would come and visit her and bring her some rations. Also present yesterday at the mock key handing-over ceremony was Commander of the 1st Malaysian Infantry Division, Major General Datuk Stephen Mundaw.