KAPIT (March 26): Bukit Goram assemblyman Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat on Monday visited families at Rumah John Raba in Sungai Sesibau here which was badly affected by last week’s floods.

The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department told a dialogue with the residents that he was unable to return to Kapit to survey the situation as the floods had rendered Jalan Kanowit-Kapit impassable to vehicles

“Tuai Rumah John has requested for funds to purchase a fibre boat and outboard engine for use during floods, and I have agreed to allocate RM10,000 for this purpose.

“I also noticed some of the houses here are flood-damaged and in need of repair. I have instructed by side to compile the relevant information and we will do our best to assist,” he said.

Meanwhile, longhouse chieftain John said the floods started last Thursday and only subsided on Saturday, with the water level over three metres deep.

“Several houses built in the lower-lying areas of the longhouse saw their ground floors fully submerged.

“Those affected either sought shelter with relatives on higher ground, or were evacuated to the Kapit Civic Centre and Bletih Youth Hostel,” he said.

He added that 28 families are residing in the longhouse which is built on higher ground, while 10 are living in houses built in lower-lying areas nearby.

Accompanying Jamit during the visit were Kapit Resident Elvis Didit and district officer Cerisologo Sabut.