SPAOH – Four longhouse communities in Debak and Spaoh are set to receive upgraded and new community facilities through four Rural Transformation Project (RTP) initiatives for 2026.
The project sites under the N.37 Bukit Saban constituency were officially handed over on Thursday, marking the start of works aimed at improving facilities used by residents for communal and daily activities.
The four projects comprise an upgrade to the Nanga Teru Baroh Longhouse square in Debak, construction of a new multipurpose pond at Nanga Bayor Longhouse in Debak, construction of a new multipurpose store at Tanjong Baru Longhouse in Paku, Spaoh, and site preparation for the Engkerebai Longhouse in Anyut, Spaoh.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and N.37 Bukit Saban assemblyman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said community facilities should be developed according to the needs of the residents who would use them.
He said even relatively small projects could make a meaningful difference when the facilities were used for community activities and shared purposes.
“We want every project that is implemented to truly respond to the needs of the community. Facilities like this may be small-scale, but the benefits are great when used for residents’ activities and common interests,” he said.
Uggah also highlighted the role of residents in ensuring that the facilities remain useful after construction or upgrading works are completed.
He said the involvement of local communities through gotong-royong could strengthen their sense of responsibility towards projects carried out in their respective longhouses.
“The gotong-royong approach provides an opportunity for residents to be involved in their projects. I hope that this spirit of cooperation will continue not only during implementation but also in maintaining the facilities after completion,” he said.
The four initiatives will be carried out using the gotong-royong approach through the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) of the respective longhouses.
The arrangement is intended to encourage residents to take an active role in the implementation process while also giving them a direct role in supporting the facilities once they are completed.
The projects cover different types of community infrastructure, ranging from improvements to an existing longhouse square to the construction of facilities intended for multipurpose use.
The Nanga Teru Baroh Longhouse square upgrade is expected to improve an existing communal space, while the new multipurpose pond at Nanga Bayor will provide an additional facility for the community.
At Tanjong Baru Longhouse in Paku, the planned multipurpose store will add to the facilities available to residents. Meanwhile, site preparation at Engkerebai Longhouse in Anyut represents an initial step towards developing the designated location.
The site handover was attended by representatives and community leaders, including Betong District Council representative Ms Shajidah, Betong District Council members Councillor Pengiran and Councillor David Tinggi, and Tuai Rumah Seli, Tuai Rumah Selina and Tuai Rumah Edmund Sujang.
Representatives from the Tanjong Baru Longhouse Service Centre and the N.37 Bukit Saban Assemblyman’s Service Centre, including Ronny Ugap, were also present.
The projects are expected to proceed according to their respective specifications and schedules. Their implementation will be closely linked to the participation of the local JKKKs and residents, particularly under the gotong-royong approach.
The development of the four facilities is intended to provide the participating longhouse communities with improved spaces and infrastructure for shared use, while encouraging continued cooperation among residents in maintaining community assets.
