Bung Moktar
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah state government is planning to restructure water villages in the state to provide better housing for the people and prevent unfortunate incidents such as fires, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Bung Moktar, who is also Sabah Works Minister, said various aspects were taken into account in the plan, including ensuring houses built in a more organised manner, a beautiful and clean environment, basic facilities such as electricity and water supply, and safer surroundings.
He said the plan would involve the cooperation of various government agencies such as the Town and Regional Planning Department, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Fire and Rescue Department.
“When there is an unfortunate incident such as a fire, help can be provided more easily with the availability of basic facilities such as fire hydrants, and the houses will be better positioned to prevent the fire from spreading quickly,” he told reporters here on Saturday.
Earlier, he visited the site of a fire incident at a water village in Kampung Tanjung Aru here on May 25 which destroyed 33 houses, and he also provided assistance to the victims involved.
Also present were the state’s Minister of Science Technology and Innovation Datuk Yakub Khan; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Arifin; and Minister of Community Development and People’s Welfare Shahelmey Yahya.
Bung Moktar said the restructuring process was also important in ensuring the residents would now live in legitimate villages instead of squatters.
He said the issue should be seen as a whole to include land ownership or boundary rights, permission and development control.
“We sympathise and understand the plight of those who have lost their homes, however, I hope they remain patient while the government, especially the City Hall and other government agencies involved can design and reorganise the houses in this area,” he said. – Bernama