KAPIT: Civil engineering project site inspections are better carried out in daylight, but Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat would beg to differ.
Perhaps because he was pressed for time or maybe because he’s just an active person by nature, he did not find it odd inspecting the newly completed Kapit Waterfront Landscape Project last Tuesday night. Around 10pm he was still walking around the place which stretches from above Kapit Express Wharf Terminal to Fort Sylvia at Jalan Kubu.
Tickled pink that the project has been completed, he expressed his happiness at the sight of several visitors (some of them children) who still walked or sit around the lovely place.
“Look at those people. Even though now is about 10pm, they are still here,” he said.
Jamit was briefed at the site by Kapit Public Works Department (PWD) divisional engineer Anding Unchi, the contractor Leonard Jembu, and consulting architect from Arkitek Gayasari, Michael Tan.
After the inspection Jamit said he was glad that the river front has become a new attraction where people can relax.
“Just now, Kapit engineer Anding Unchi explained to me the details of this project. I must congratulate the contractor for completing it ahead of schedule and in the proper manner,” he said.
“When a water sport such as a regatta is held, the river front is always jam-packed with spectators. Now, with this project completed, people have a proper venue where they can enjoy watching various sports or just relax when nothing is happening,” said Jamit.
A replica cannon mounted at the place symbolises Rajah Brooke’s defence of the last frontier in the Upper Rajang. It symbolises the fight against marauding Iban head hunters and has become the symbol of Kapit Town.
On keeping the water front clean, he said rubbish bins would be placed at strategic points for the convenience of the public.
Then he broke the good news that the government has allocated some fund to beautify a small stream near the developed water front. The work will commence later.
Jamit also highlighted other ongoing projects here which include the Lily Pond Redevelopment, Town Square Redeployment, and Kapit/Belaga/Baleh Wharf Waterfront Landscape Development, which will be completed next year.
“I am very grateful to the state government for approving these projects,” he said.
Accompanying him during the site inspection were a political secretary to the chief minister Tapah Ata, Deputy Kapit Resident Galong Luang, Walikota Kapit District Council Lating Minggang, Superintendent of Land and Survey Kapit Sagu Unting, Kapit PWD divisional engineer Anding Unchi, Kapit District Office administrative officer Bidah Lujah, Kapit District Office accountant Amanda Dominic, Pemanca Yong Thu Fook, Penghulu Sia Shui Poh, Kapitan Teo Tian Chai and Kapitan Yap Hui Li.
