22 contractors attended a site visit to BSBCC on 3rd June to decide whether to tender for phase II works. Phase I was completed in March 2010 giving us a new bear house and 1ha of electric fenced forest enclosure with capacity for 20 bears. The second phase due to start in September 2011 will give us an observation platform and allow the centre to open to the public in March 2012.

Contractors were briefed in the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC). In the foreground is BSBCC Manager Ng Wai Pak.

The briefing was given by Thomas Chong of Arkitek Summaz. Arkitek Summaz is the architect of record and are responsbile for securing Building Plan approval from Sandakan Town Council for the BSBCC development.

After the air-conditioned comfort of the SOURC we dragged the contractors into the forest to see the project site.
“how to carry materials in, ah?” they complained.
“can build road, ah?” they pleaded.
“cannot, oh!” they were told firmly by Puan Jum Rafiah, the Sabah Wildlife Dept. officer in charge of the BSBCC construction
“angkat tangan, lah” (carry by hand) we suggested helfpully.
The grumbling continued, while some were quite and one lauded our decision to use a steel structure. Easier to carry steel than concrete he observed. A bear made an appearance on cue and we ajourned to the sepilok cafeteria for teh tarik.

Subsequently a healthy number of contractors tendered and the tender report is due in two weeks’ time. We’ll annouce the winner at the end of July.