TAMBUNAN: Residents here are urging the new state cabinet to prioritise tangible improvements in rural infrastructure, saying that true progress is measured by resolving daily challenges rather than high-profile projects.
In recent months, several natural disasters have damaged small village bridges, leaving some still unrepaired and disrupting residents’ daily lives.
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Tambunan was won by Star in the recent state election but its President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the part will be in the opposition.
Dr Jeffrey won the seat by polling 12,595 votes. His nearest rival was Datuk Victor Paut of GRS-PBS.
Affected areas include Kampung Monsok Tengah, Kampung Monsorulung and other villages where key bridges remain broken.
Monsok Tengah resident Harry Paulus said the lack of repairs has severely impacted farmers who rely on these routes to transport their produce.
“How can we bring our farm produce to market if the main bridge is broken? We have been waiting for months, but no new construction has started,” he said.
Harry explained that when the weather is good, residents cross the river to deliver their crops, but during rain and floods, produce cannot be transported, leading to financial losses.
Another resident Adderly Sabinus said locals are not demanding mega-projects but safe, basic facilities.
“We don’t want tall buildings in Tambunan. We just need improved farm roads and electricity to our homes. Many houses still lack electricity, and roads become impassable during rain,” he said.
Residents said that rural development must be a priority for the new government, as most inhabitants in Tambunan are farmers. Without proper basic infrastructure, the district’s economic potential remains constrained, further marginalising already vulnerable communities.
They also urged government officials to visit villages more frequently to address issues directly, rather than relying solely on reports or office briefings.
Beyond bridges and roads, residents said they hoped for greater support from the agriculture and livestock departments, including seedlings, fingerlings, chicks, ducklings, fertiliser, equipment and advisory services to help improve livelihoods.
Women also requested expanded skills-training courses for homemakers to help generate household income.
With critical issues such as broken bridges, damaged infrastructure, and insufficient basic amenities, Tambunan residents are calling for concrete action from the new cabinet.
“True progress is not in big buildings but in improving the lives of the people. We hope this time, the promises are not empty,” they said.
