All Sabah towns to be ‘liveable’ cities – CM
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is committed to turn all towns in Sabah into “liveable cities” that are comfortable and welcoming to the dwellers, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
Liveable city is the people’s dream and making it a reality is not just a vision but a responsibility of the government, he said.
He noted that the Federal Government had in its 2014 National Budget also emphasized on living quality of the people, including by incorporating green technologies in its future development plans.
An allocation of RM15 million in initial funding was provided to encourage green and environmental friendly development.
“For us in the State Government, we fully support and welcome the initiative and commitment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” Musa said in his speech at a Planning Seminar held in conjunction with World Town Planning 2013 here, yesterday.
The text of his speech was delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor.
Musa said the Government’s seriousness in creating a comfortable living environment for the people could be seen in many of its development projects, including the recently completed Sabah Art Gallery (SAG).
The SAG was the first certified Green Building in Sabah, setting a new standard to be emulated by developers for their future projects.
“Apart from that, we have also launched the Eco-Development Project in Tanjung Aru, which was launched personally by the Prime Minister himself,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said the local authorities (PBT) play a vital role and should lead in the government’s effort to create liveable cities, by adopting a clear standard and preparing a detailed development planning for their respective towns.
The Urban and Regional Planning Department, he added, has a huge responsibility not only in preparing the guideline to be used but also assessing their practicality.
The department, he suggested, should also study and learn from the standards and approaches that have been adopted by advanced cities in other countries.
“The Urban and Regional Planning Department is in the process of reviewing the planning standard, as part of its effort to ensure today’s planning meets the needs and taste of the people,” he said, commending the department for its commitment towards the Liveable City vision.
He also called on all parties, including developers, to form strategic joint ventures for a more coordinated and effective development.
He said this was important to ensure that every development project would contribute towards achieving liveable city, to create conducive, safe and rich living environment for the people.
Source: Borneo Post
