Kundasang: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Kundasang state seat, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, emphasized the importance of ensuring equal access to basic facilities for residents in both urban and rural areas. Efforts to improve road access in the area are being carried out in stages. Joachim, who has held the Kundasang seat since 2004, stated that the 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 highlighted
the initiative’s goal to ensure that development is not solely concentrated in the town but extended throughout the constituency. The infrastructure is being developed based on the specific needs of each village. Joachim expressed gratitude for the progress made over the past two years in upgrading the roads from Ranau town to major village areas. The infrastructure improvements also include the route to Kaingaran, which houses a health centre and a secondary school. The next plan is to extend road construction to the far end of the Kundasang state constituency, where another school is located.
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. As the acting president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), he noted that proper roads facilitate the transportation of crops to the main town and collection centres, significantly impacting
the efficiency and speed of selling agricultural produce.
Joachim further added that future efforts to upgrade roads include the construction of smaller access roads and suspension bridges, contingent on the allocation received each year. Reflecting on his 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 key accomplishments.
Facing a 10-cornered contest for the seat, Joachim remarked that all candidates have an equal opportunity to present their visions to voters. However, he stressed the importance of assessing manifestos that are realistic and achievable, with his own focusing on continuing existing projects that benefit the people and ensure sustained facilities and development. The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled tomorrow for early voting, with polling day set for Nov 29.