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KOTA KINABALU: A citizen-led “Voices to Action” Public Infrastructure Report reflecting a bottom-up approach to governance was presented on Thursday by the Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) to Deputy Chief Minister cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam during a high-level briefing.

The year-long initiative drew feedback from thousands across Sabah and distilled 117 recommendations targeting road connectivity, sustainable water management and the need to embed a stronger maintenance culture in public works.

Sabar chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said the report moves beyond slogans by offering evidence-based proposals and greater transparency in planning, grounded in the lived experiences of both rural and urban communities.

Among the proposals are improved 4x4 access for teachers and healthcare workers in interior areas, measures to curb illegal water tapping and upgrade ageing networks, and open consultative planning for major projects, including future phases of the Pan Borneo Highway.

Joachim welcomed the report and said the Ministry would factor professional and civil society input into Sabah’s 2026 development agenda, with both sides agreeing to keep a consultative channel open to track implementation.