PENAMPANG: Members of the public here are questioning why work on the construction of the iconic Sigah in Donggongon roundabout, which started several months ago, has stalled.
The new Head of Coordination of the Democratic Community Welfare Party (PKDM) for Kapayan, Dr Edwin Bosi, is afraid that very soon the project will be neglected just like other structures.
“The people in Penampang want to know as much as I do why this was stopped. Any explanation?” he asked recently, adding that the project will just be another failed project if the authority will not take this seriously.
The iconic replica of the KDMR headgear at the Donggongon roundabout here was demolished in February 2023 to pave the way for a bypass.
A KadazanDusun ritual was carried out before the construction of the new Sigah commenced. According to sources, the new Sigah was scheduled to be completed this year, but up to now, it hasn’t been near complete.
Not only pointing out the delay, Dr Bosi also said the new Sigah should be built at the same roundabout but elevated so that the flyover will not obstruct it from view.
“The new site for the Sigah is not a conducive location, as it does not prominently give rise to its view once it is fully constructed, thus preventing people or tourists from taking pictures of it.
“It appears that the flyover is much higher than the elevated replicas of the Kadazandusun headgear.
“Normally, the Sigah is placed on top of the head, and hence the structure should be built higher than other structures.
“This is only a thought. But after the decision to relocate the new Sigah from its previous location, my question now is why the construction of the new location has stopped.” he asked.
Likewise, Dr Bosi pointed out in the past that some projects in Penampang have either not been completed or have become white elephant entities, such as the Indigenous Court Training Institute (ILMAN) building near Jalan Minintod.
He said the ILMAN building should have started operating many years ago, but instead it is in a state of severe disrepair and that no one is occupying it.
He said the construction of the building cost taxpayers millions of ringgit, and if there is no priority to complete it, it will just be a waste of money and time for the people.
“This shows that the government is not efficient in implementing big projects for the rakyat.”
Further on the Sigah, he said two years have passed since the “Sigah landmark” at Donggongon roundabout was demolished and relocated to a nearby location but that the project showed no signs of completion.
“When the Sigah was demolished in early 2023, there were various reactions from the residents here. Some agreed that it should be moved, while some disagreed, saying that the landmark should be maintained there.
“However, in the end, the government decided to relocate it to pave the way for the construction of a flyover which aims to reduce traffic congestion at the roundabout which serves as four junctions to the Kota Kinabalu bypass, Papar, Jalan Lama KK and the road to Tambunan.
“But now it seemed that the construction work which started a few months ago has suddenly been stopped,” said the former Kapayan Assemblyman.
The traditional ceremony to relocate the sigah at that time was held in full colour, complete with the customary rites of Momolian Sumuku, Mamason and Mongimpi led by a Bobohizan (traditional priestess).
He said the project should not be abandoned because the Sigah has a very significant meaning for the KDMR people, as it is a symbol of their traditional customs.
Furthermore, Dr Bosi said if the Sigah is completed, it would serve as an attraction for outsiders, especially foreign tourists.
