By Yussof J. Imbang
RANAU: The Paginatan state constituency, situated approximately 45 kilometers from Ranau town, is poised for development as a high-ranking new city.
The Chairman of the Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB), Datuk Masiung Banah, announced that 200 acres will be allocated for commercial development and public housing initiatives.
Undoubtedly, this project proposal will transform Paginatan into a modern city and commercial hub, strategically located near the Nunuk Ragang Monument.
Yesterday, the groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, marking the official launch of the project.
Among the 1,500 attendees at the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister and State Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Finance Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Paginatan Wakil Rakyat, Datuk Abidin Baringkir, and LPPB General Manager, Datuk Rosemary Ahping.
Masiung indicated that the initial phase of the project will focus on site preparation, with an estimated budget of RM500,000.
The new town initiative will unfold in five phases and will include a sports complex, Small District Office, Library, Mosque, Fire Station, Oil Station, School, and Recreation Center.
Masiung emphasised that infrastructure development will be prioritized, including access roads to project sites, scanning facilities, drainage systems, and a Bumiputera kiosk.
According to the Kuamut Wakil Rakyat, the project is entirely financed by the Sabah State Government under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Direction Program, with preliminary work expected to commence before the year’s end.
