EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AT BANDAR KIM FUNG & PASARAYA SANDAKAN

YB Calvin Chong (Left) & Taren Sunil (3rd from left) during onsite visit to Pasar Kim Fung, Sandakan

SANDAKAN: Facilities at Bandar Kim Fung and Pasaraya Sandakan are expected to see much improvement and upgrading after Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong and his delegation, jointly with the Highway and Public Utilities Committee (HPUC), paid a site visit to the two adjoining satellite towns at Mile 4, Jalan Utara.

“Calvin Chong made a lengthy visit to the area to look into numerous issues faced by businessmen, traders and residents of the area. He meticulously noted the different problems that needed to be resolved,” said Taren Sunil Manoharan, head of HPUC which is under the Sandakan Municipal Council.

“We were able to identify numerous shortcomings that clearly needed to be addressed,” added Sunil.

There were complaints on the water supply at the Kim Fung market which both Calvin and Taren Sunil agreed were justified. Poor water pressure was one of the problems. They also noted that the market needed more rubbish bins. Currently some of the bins are also placed too near to the eating stalls. There were also clear indications that smokers have been throwing cigarette stubs all over the place. 

At other places, especially the back lanes of the many rows of shops and restaurants, the thrash has piled up apparently due to people not properly throwing their thrash into the refuse bins provided.

“We have visited many areas in Sandakan and have always found that blocked drains are a problem in every single area. Much of this is caused by rubbish of every kind being indiscriminately dumped into drains. Where did all the thrash come from? Obviously they were thrown in there by certain irresponsible people,” he lamented.

He said that even though there are scheduled days for clearing up of drains by the respective authorities, there is simply not enough manpower and funds to keep pace if people simply keep throwing rubbish everywhere all the time.

“It is the joint responsibility of the authorities and the public to ensure Sandakan is kept clean. People should not litter and expect the authorities to clean up for them. That is not fair,” stressed Taren Sunil.

The joint delegations also noted some damaged or missing drain covers at several places which they suggested to replace with concrete slabs that are less prone to be stolen than the metal grille type.

Meanwhile at the industrial and workshop lots, the thrash was of a different kind. Drains were polluted by used industrial oil and grease. There were also old and rusted vehicle parts abandoned here and there. Some lots have made illegal extensions which obstructed cleanup work of drains. HPUC will ask them to demolish these structures.   

“Just the Elopura constituency alone in Sandakan has 10 areas. There are bound to be all sorts of matters to solve. Therefore, we ask the public to work hand in hand with us in helping keep Sandakan clean. In fact Calvin recently launched a “No-Littering” campaign in Sandakan. Let us all make it a success,” added Taren Sunil.

Taren also praised Calvin for his “turun padang” attitude to see for himself firsthand the many different issues faced by the people of Sandakan.

“The fact that Calvin has his own team of people making their rounds to find out the various problems faced by the people shows that he is doing his best for the people of Sandakan. From our side, HPUC will do our best to cooperate and assist YB Calvin whenever necessary in his efforts,” said Taren Sunil.

“I understand that Calvin has proposed to build a bus stop within Bandar Kim Fung and Bandar Pasaraya that will cater to buses taking the route to Taman Mesra, the nearby medium-cost Government Housing project. It will certainly be of great convenience for the many people staying there,” acknowledged Taren Sunil.      

Taren concluded by saying that HPUC appreciated the efforts of Calvin Chong and his team for their assistance and cooperation in helping make Sandakan a better place to live for everyone.