Kota Kinabalu: The Federal Housing and Local Government Ministry has been urged to expedite the completion of additional works at the Kibabaig Public Housing Project (PPR) as soon as possible so that the applicants can move in.
Making the call, Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang said that during the State Legislative Assembly sitting last November she was informed that the additional works at the PPR to build a retaining wall was supposed to be completed by end of September, last year.
“However, due to various problems including the relocation of electricity cables and disruption work due to Covid-19, it cannot be completed sooner and the remaining six blocks remain unoccupied,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I have been receiving many appeals from the people regarding their application for the PPR and I am frustrated because I have to tell them that all works, including the completion of the entrance road, must be completed first before the handing over to the Local Government and Housing Ministry and District Council.
“Some of the applicants said they have lost their jobs and could not afford to pay high rent anymore due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
During the PPR site inspection, District Council Officer Riduwan Darasin said that the electrical cables of the entire eight blocks were stolen.
The inspection team also noted that the surrounding unoccupied areas were covered with shrubs and creepers.
“The Housing and Local Government Ministry had provided funds for better security service but additional funds are also needed to allow regular maintenance of the surroundings before the place deteriorates while waiting for other necessary works to be completed.
“The approved list of people which was completed in 2019 after undergoing a rigorous process of selection, should then be allowed to move in immediately and the management committee fees can be collected to keep the PPR running smoothly,” she said.
When contacted by the Kapayan constituency office, the contractor said that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) is expected to complete the relocation of the underground electricity cables within one to two weeks and that the extension of the retaining walls is expected to be completed by June.
“I want to thank the Penampang District Council and all concerned for consistently pursuing both the Sabah and Federal Ministries to ensure PPR Kibabaig is safe for occupation.
“I appeal to the applicants to bear with the delays a little while more.”
She said that the number of applicants for PPR Kibabaig is far bigger than the available eight blocks of units and that she has put forward several suggestions to the District Council including requesting the land in Kampung Baru Luyang, which is under the Health Ministry.
