By Siti Baaqiah Mamat
RANAU, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Renowned for its cool weather and breathtaking scenery, Kundasang - located about 92 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu - has long been a top tourist destination for both local and international visitors, thanks in part to its easy accessibility.
However, the reality for residents living in the interior of Kundasang is quite different, as many must travel more than 40 kilometres along village roads just to reach the town or obtain basic necessities.
To ensure that residents in both urban and rural areas enjoy equal access to basic facilities, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Kundasang state seat, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said efforts to improve road access in the area are being carried out in stages.
Joachim, 67, who has held the seat since 2004, said that work to upgrade the road network in the interior began two years ago, including the route from Ranau town to several remote villages such as Ulu Sugut.
He said the initiative aims to ensure that development is not concentrated only in the town but extended throughout the constituency, as the population is widely dispersed. Infrastructure, he added, is being developed based on the specific needs of each village.
“We are working to improve and upgrade the roads throughout the entire Kundasang state constituency, and I am grateful that over the past two years, we have begun upgrading the roads from Ranau town to the major village areas.
“The infrastructure improvements also include the route to Kaingaran, which has a health centre and a secondary school, and our next plan is to extend the road construction to the far end of the Kundasang state constituency, where another school is located,” he told Bernama.
According to Joachim, the construction and upgrading of roads in the interior areas of Kundasang not only improve residents’ accessibility but also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector.
The acting president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) said the availability of proper roads makes it easier for residents to transport their crops to the main town and collection centres, as their ability to sell agricultural produce quickly and efficiently depends heavily on the supporting infrastructure.
“In the future, if this road is properly built, it will be much easier for residents to transport their agricultural produce, and I believe their economic situation will naturally improve as well. What they need most is good road access,” he said.
He added that efforts to upgrade roads in the interior areas of Kundasang also include the construction of smaller access roads and suspension bridges, although these depend on the allocation received each year.
When asked about his achievements after more than 20 years of service, he cited the expansion of electricity supply to two interior areas and the construction of water treatment plants as among his key accomplishments.
Facing a 10-cornered contest for the seat, Joachim said all candidates have an equal opportunity to present their respective visions to voters, but stressed that voters should assess manifestos that are realistic and achievable.
He said his manifesto focuses on continuing existing projects that benefit the people and ensure sustained facilities and development, rather than making ‘bombastic’ promises.
The Election Commission (EC) has set tomorrow for early voting, while polling day will be held on Nov 29.
For the latest news on the 17th Sabah State Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.
N36: KUNDASANG: SABAH: 24,582
1. Datuk Japiril Suhaimin (SAPP)
2. Edward Jamkim @ Paul Arif (PIS)
3. Dr Atong Antong (PN-Bersatu)
4. Jeffrey Gopog (Warisan)
5. Nazarul Khaiwala Wahab (Anak Negeri)
6. Rogers Tiam @ Aloysius (UPKO)
7. Jattry Abie @ Jeffry Mohd Ali (KDM)
8. Japirin Sahadi (BN-PBRS)
9. Jackson Musi (Independent)
10. Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (GRS-PBS)
(2020: Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam: PBS: Majority: 1,422)
-- BERNAMA
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