RM746 Million Allocation For New Landfill Sites-Hajiji

Former state football coach Justin Ganai (left) receiving his letter of appointment as Tuaran District Councillor from Hajiji. Justin, 58, was nominated by Joniston (right). Also seen are Madiyem (second left) and Matius.

TUARAN: The State Government will make a request to the Federal Government for an allocation of RM746 million for the creation of new landfill sites at major towns in Sabah as a long-term solution as the lifespan of most existing landfills may be over in the not-too-distant future.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor said this followed the completion of a one-year study costing RM1 million by a consulting firm on future needs for landfills statewide.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing the swearing-in of new Tuaran District Councillors here yesterday, Hajiji said the sum requested for would include costs for acquisition of land and infrastructural works.

“However, due to the vastness of the State, only major towns will get new landfills and each of them will serve as a centralised landfill for the surrounding districts,” he said.

“For example, the new Kota Kinabalu landfill will also serve as the nucleus landfill for surrounding districts like Tuaran, Penampang, Papar and so on,” he added.

Hajiji urged councillors and staff of local authorities (PBTs) to work doubly hard and be dedicated in discharging their duties in the face of rising public expectation.

He said the people are no longer living in an age where the public were afraid to lodge complaints or did not know how to go about it.

He said people are now living in the Internet age whereby pictures of a pile of rubbish or a tilted lamp post can be uploaded unto social websites like Facebook instantly.

“And of course, the various newspapers also have their own pages for the public to air their grievances such as Hotline. So be always on your toes and do not wait until a picture is uploaded or a complaint is published before you act,” the minister said.

“Please be more resourceful, creative and pro-active. Don’t wait for instructions, including from YBs, all the time. Do away with the attitude of giving answers like ‘we will have to verify the authenticity first’, or, worse still, ‘so far no official complaint has been received’,” Hajiji cautioned.

“Who told you that you need an official complaint before you can act?” he asked, adding that councillors and staff of PBTs should always have a small note book and a pen in their pockets to jot down things which they see along the way and which they think require immediate attention.

“Please don’t pretend that you did not see it, apparently to avoid extra work. As almost everybody now has a camera phone, take pictures of what you see to show to your superiors when you get to the office instead of waiting for instructions all the time,” he stressed.

Present at the function were Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Matius Sator; Tuaran District Officer Madiyem Layapan who is also chairman of the Council and community leaders.

The new Councillors are Haji Matsah Hamid, Effaridun Datuk Hj Ismail, Norsinin Alidah, Alice Tee, Ladin Sapi, Marsah Muyung, Peter Lintar, Haji Hussin Haji Shaadi, Stephen Ebon Sayah, Sabli Nasih, Justin Ganai, Romeo Sindeh, Mu Lin Dan, Joisin Romut, Stephen Basin Masaun, Malijin Logob, Pius Dungkat, Paul Yong Hen Vui, and Sim Chee Sing.Borneo Post