Waterlogged potholes and missing rubbish traps in Penampang
KOTA KINABALU: The government is reminded of its duty to protect the environment as failing to do so would have an adverse effect on humankind.
Kapayan assemblyman Dr Edwin Bosi, who made the call, added that the government must also ensure safety for all road users.
“I have brought to the government’s attention of the rubbish flowing out or being discharged into the Moyog River from the three monsoon drains that cut across the rice bowl area of Kampung Kondudungan. I have highlighted the disappearance of one rubbish trap years ago that was never restored and my recent inspection showed that another rubbish trap has disappeared,” he said.
“We can imagine the amount of rubbish that had already been washed into the Moyog River and onwards into the sea. I have communicated with the minister concerned, Datuk Masidi Manjun, who promised to look into the matter. Unfortunately, the Moyog River continues to be abused,” he said.
Bosi, who is Parti Anak Negeri Penampang chief, added that it was somewhat ironical because the government had an environmental protection department.
“It supports NGOs that are working to make our rivers clean. It also supports efforts by NGOs to clean the beach from all sort of rubbish while acknowledging that plastic waste poses a danger to sea turtles and dolphins. The government also acknowledges the river sediments can choke the corals,” he said.
On the potholes at Bandar Baru Penampang, which he highlighted in the media, Bosi would like to thank the people who went to patch up the holes.
“Today, I am highlighting the few potholes located at the corner of the Chinese temple at Donggongon township. These potholes are becoming dangerously deep, water-logged and a nuisance to the patrons of a restaurant nearby.
“As a lawmaker, I am very irritated by the inaction of the government agencies to make good the potholes. I am sure government officers and employees are also using the road. I may not be wrong to say that the village chiefs and JKKK chairmen must have reported the tons of rubbish being discharged into the Moyog River,” he lamented.
Bosi said he was unmoved but would continue to be persistent in highlighting any problems faced by the people in Penampang, in particular.