Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Bersatu wants the Federal Government, especially Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to explain the status of the hybrid solar power projects in Pulau Banggi, which were launched with much fanfare years ago but are now left abandoned.
Its Wanita Chief Rahimah Majid raised doubts over recent promises by the Umno President to resolve Sabah’s infrastructure problems if Umno and Barisan Nasional are again given the chance to administer Sabah in the coming State election.
She said it is ironic for these assurances to come from a leader whose own Ministry of Rural and Regional Development was responsible for these failed projects that ware meant to bring electricity to remote villages in Pulau Banggi.
“Despite years of promises, these important projects remain incomplete, leaving the people of Banggi without reliable electricity, a basic need they have waited for far too long,” she said.
The solar power projects, initiated between 2017 and 2018, were supposed to provide power to Pulau Tanjung Manawali, Pulau Tigabu, Kampung Kok Simpul and Kampung Selamat in Pulau Balambangan.
However, today all that is left are deteriorating equipment, raising concerns about the millions of ringgit in tax payers’ money having gone to waste.
“After more than 60 years of independence, these communities still live in darkness. How much longer must they wait? she asked. Bersatu wants full transparency on the status of the projects, an explanation for the delays, and a clear action plan to ensure completion from Zahid.
“Why were these projects abandoned? Who is accountable? The people of Banggi want answers, not more empty promises about development,” she said.
She also called for stricter oversight to prevent similar failures in the future and contractors to be held responsible for delays.
“If the Federal Government is serious about developing Sabah, it must prove it by finishing what it started.
“Continued neglect only deepens the suffering of rural communities,” she added.
