PAPAR: Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali pledged to ensure all people-centric development projects currently underway here, including in Kinarut, are completed according to schedule and to expedite projects that have been planned.
He said the commitment, which will also be carried out by other elected representatives in Kawang, Limbahau and Pantai Manis, is necessary to fulfil the district’s sustainable development agenda.
“Implementation of public projects involving roads, water supply and other basic amenities in Papar is essential to ensure progress in the area keeps pace with development projects undertaken by WSG Group in Kinarut and Benoni,” he said.
Armizan commended WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong for playing a significant role in Papar’s urban transformation.
“WSG Group is among developers capable of delivering projects efficiently, which is clearly shown in its projects in Benoni, Parklane City and Kinarut.
“Papar was once regarded a rural district, but today it has evolved into a suburban area, and we can see clear signs of modernisation and spillover development.
“We are thankful to Susan for bringing her development projects that accelerate Papar’s transition into a modern suburban township while creating business and employment opportunities for locals,” he said after the official launching and groundbreaking ceremony of 52 units of two-storey shoplots, Everrise Supermarket and Level-Up 24hr Gym at the WSG Kinarut Show Gallery, here, Saturday.
The Kinarut Palm Avenue project is to be completed end of next year, following earlier phases under the Kinarut Palm City masterplan, including the residential-focused Kinarut Palm Square.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Rural Development cum Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim and Yayasan Sabah Director cum Kawang Assemblyman Dato’ Sri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar.
“The Kinarut Palm Avenue project marks another key milestone in the district’s rapid development.
“I am very pleased with the groundbreaking of Kinarut Palm Avenue as the presence of Level Up Gym and Everrise Supermarket proves the area’s potential as businesses like these do not open without proper feasibility studies. The same goes for 10Star Cinema. This shows that the industry has confidence in Papar’s potential for growth.
“Following this, I am confident that Papar would record stronger growth within the next two to three years, adding that development must directly benefit the local community,” Armizan said.
Armizan, who is also the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, said he will work together with government agencies in Papar, including WSG, because development must go hand in hand with infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads and other utilities.
On road development project in Kinarut, he said several key road and bridge infrastructure projects are being expedited to address traffic congestion and support rapid development in the district, particularly in Kinarut.
He said the proposed road upgrade from Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut to four lanes is now progressing after close monitoring by elected representatives.
“The technical committee has completed its evaluation, and we are now waiting for the Ministry of Works procurement board to meet and decide on the successful tenderer,” he said.
Armizan added that the project must begin immediately, especially with the completion of major township developments such as Kinarut Palm City by the end of this year and Kinarut Palm Avenue by next year.
“It is our responsibility as elected representatives to ensure all projects are implemented and completed on schedule,” he said, adding that the stretch from Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut is expected to ease traffic congestion over the next three years.
However, Armizan said further upgrades would be needed beyond the school up to the Kinarut River bridge near Borneo Paradise Resort to prevent future bottlenecks, which they will push for additional budget allocations for that component.
On water supply, Armizan said while resolving Phase 2 of the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant to have increased capacity, Papar’s reliance on river sources remained unsustainable.
“The problem lies on getting raw water sources. Previously, we relied solely on the Papar River. Eventually, the Chief Minister approved the Kogopon Phase Two Water Treatment Plant, which is scheduled for completion this year, as well as a second water intake in Kg Kabang.
“Therefore, we will do our utmost to ensure all improvements to public facilities are realized in line with efforts to modernize the area,” he said.
