Sandakan prelate seals contract for Telupid parish hall construction

TELUPID – Bishop Julius Gitom sealed the contract for the construction and completion of the proposed St Martin’s Pastoral Centre Jul 12.

Sunny Ng, signed on behalf of Syarikat Lintas Permai Enterprise of Sandakan, who was the successful bidder for the contract.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Fr Jasery Gabuk, rector of St Martin’s Parish, Henry Wong, Chairman of the Diocesan Finance Council, Roger Enty, Deputy Chairman of the Building Committee and his Committee members.

The old hall was taken down in 2011. After a lapse of three years, the new hall would eventually be constructed over the existing site.

The hall, measuring 70 feet by 100 feet has a seating capacity of some 700 people. It has provision for future extension of a mini auditorium on the left and other utility rooms on the right of the building, measuring 20 feet by 70 feet each.

The contract sum for the main building amounted to  RM800,000 and is expected to be completed within six months from the date of possession of site. The total amount, including extensions and external work, would be raised up to RM1.1 million.

The local community has been busy soliciting for funds through the various BECs and generous individual members. Members of the community are committed to raise RM500,000.

Fr Jasery asserted, “The amount to be raised is definitely enormous. It is tough but not impossible. We need to pray. God will make a way for us, but as a community we need to find the way together. Never surrender before we begin.”

Meanwhile Bishop Julius urged all parties to work hard in realizing the targeted amount so that the hall could be built as scheduled. The prelate went on to say, “The hall belongs to all. Therefore the fundraising should not be looked upon as a burden but a responsibility.” – DOSPO DS