Kota Kinabalu: A RM30 million project has been approved by the State Government to ease the congestion at the Jalan Kionsom-Jalan Tuaran roundabout in Inanam.
“The main concern in Inanam is traffic congestion but there is light at the end of the tunnel with the Chief Minister approving allocation for the project,” said Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Datuk Dr Roland Chia.
Dr Roland who is also Inanam Gagasan Rakyat Division Chief was speaking at the Chinese New Year celebration hosted by Inanam Gagasan Rakyat Division at the Dewan Manggatal, here, Sunday.
The ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“While it has been a bitter pill to swallow for residents dealing with this congestion for 40 years, the ball is finally rolling on getting solutions,” he said.
“We will have extra lanes with traffic lights replacing the old roundabout. This is a real breakthrough. There will be a parallel road for Jalan Sinulihan to ease Jalan Kionsom congestion. The Pan Borneo Highway linking Putatan - Inanam, Inanam - Manggatal and Manggatal - Tobobon is already about 86 per cent completed. By the end of this year or next year, we expect seamless traffic flow,” he said.
“Of course, Rome was not built overnight, but these are good and great initiatives by the present State Government under Hajiji’s leadership. As for water supply in Inanam, we are fortunate not to face any major problems,” he added.
On the programme at hand, he said the turnout was overwhelming with thousands in attendance.
“In Inanam, we have established a tradition of collaborative celebrations namely working with KDCA during Kaamatan and the Council of Churches during Christmas. For Chinese New Year, our Gagasan Rakyat Division takes the lead.
“What is notable is how many attendees have Chinese heritage in their family trees, some going back to their grandparents or great-grandparents. They celebrate Chinese New Year in their villages, which perfectly shows Sabah’s unique cultural fabric.
“This organic multiculturalism shows we do not need external guidance on managing our religious and racial harmony,” he said.
He also said the event showed exceptional support for Gagasan Rakyat. Regarding Gagasan Rakyat’s potential candidacy for the Inanam seat, he said the decision rests with the Chief Minister’s strategic assessment.
On what he will do if given the mandate for the area, he said: “We have legacy issues like infrastructure, roads and electricity. These are the main three issues we need to put extra effort.”
