Thomas Lau (centre) and two other party leaders inspect the walkway at Sandakan Harbour Square.
SANDAKAN: A long-standing issue plaguing the Sandakan Harbour Square (SHS) is finally set to be resolved, as the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) has successfully obtained federal funds to repair the area’s collapsed and dilapidated walkways.
The matter was first formally raised two years ago by the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Zone Sandakan division, which submitted a request to the MPS urging action on the hazardous footpaths.
The condition of the walkways had been a concern for residents and visitors alike, posing a safety risk and marring the square’s appeal.
SAPP vice-president Thomas Lau Chi Keong underscored the party’s role as the catalyst for the project.
“It was SAPP which initiated [this]. Say what others may say, but it’s SAPP that matters,” Lau stated.
The party’s statement also included a pointed anticipation of the political maneuvering that often follows such announcements.
“Politicians would begin to visit the sites and claim credits, as usual, to gain political mileage,” SAPP noted, adding that it felt compelled to “tell everybody the truth” about the project’s origins.
The recent confirmation of federal funding has been widely welcomed. Credit for the bureaucratic effort is being directed at the former MPS engineer, Raymond Hiew, and his team, whose work behind the scenes turned the proposal into a funded reality.
Appreciation was also extended to MPS President Walter Kenson for his prompt action in implementing the project.
With the funding secured, the community’s focus now shifts to the Sandakan Municipal Council for a project timeline and a definitive start date for construction.
The repairs promise to inject a “new lease of life” into the SHS walkways, ensuring the beloved waterfront area remains safe and vibrant for years to come.
