By WU VUIDE
KOTA BELUD: Kadamaian currently undergoing rapid development has the potential to become a new tourism destination in Sabah.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said various development projects are continuously being implemented in Kadamaian, including the construction of schools, clinics, roads and village’s land ownership programmes.
He said the government would also fast-track land surveying programme in two more sub-districts in Kadamaian this year, in addition to two major road projects expected to enter the procurement process by the end of the year.
“I am confident that within the next few years, more development can be brought to Kadamaian for the wellbeing of the people in this area,” he said during the Kota Belud District-Level Kaamatan Festival celebration at Kadamaian Square here.
According to Ewon, among the major projects currently underway and already implemented in Kadamaian are the construction and upgrading of Jalan Sayap, Jalan Terintidon, Jalan Podos and Jalan Komburaon, as well as the construction of the Melangkap Bridge and a bridge in Kaung.
He said over the past four years, various developments had been successfully realised, including the upgrading of main roads, construction of bridges and land surveying programmes under the Pantas programme involving several villages in the Melangkap and Sayap areas.
“Several dilapidated schools are now being upgraded into concrete buildings, while rural clinics are also being improved to provide greater comfort for residents.
“Tamu facilities in the villages, which previously only had dirt flooring, are now being upgraded to provide greater comfort for traders and visitors,” he said.
He said all the developments implemented reflected the government’s continuous efforts to improve the standard of living of the rural people.
“These are among the initiatives we have undertaken over the past four years and we will continue these development efforts in the years ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ewon also sees great potential in Kadamaian’s tourism sector, particularly involving the view of Mount Kinabalu from the Kota Belud area.
“Many people only know Mount Kinabalu from the Ranau side such as Kundasang, Bundu Tuhan and Mesilou.
“Few Sabahans realise that the view of Mount Kinabalu from Kota Belud and Kadamaian is equally beautiful,” he said.
According to him, based on discussions with Sabah Parks and the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, a third climbing route to Mount Kinabalu has been proposed from Kadamaian.
“I am confident that once this route is completed, Kadamaian will become a tourism destination capable of competing with Mesilou and Kundasang,” he said.
He said the development of the tourism sector would also create opportunities for residents living in the mountainous areas to develop their land for agriculture and tourism purposes.
Regarding the Kaamatan celebration, Ewon said the festival not only symbolises the rice harvest, but also achievements in the economy, education, development and public service.
He said all these achievements require unity and harmony, especially in Sabah which comprises various ethnicities, races and religions.
“We should be proud of Sabah’s ethnic diversity and that spirit should be translated not only in celebrations like this, but also in our daily lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Kota Belud District-Level Kaamatan Festival celebration also reflected the strong unity among the people of various races in the district.
He said the presence of various ethnic communities including the Dusun, Tobilung, Bajau, Iranun, Sino and Chinese communities proved that harmony among the people in Kota Belud remained strong.
“The Kaamatan celebration is not only celebrated as a cultural festival, but also serves as an important medium in strengthening unity and the spirit of togetherness among the people.
“I see the participation of the people of Kota Belud, who come from various ethnic groups, as showing that this district has very strong unity among its people,” he said.
‘I am confident that within the next few years, more development can be brought to Kadamaian for the wellbeing of the people in this area’ – Ewon
