KOTA KINABALU: The Sandakan Municipal Council has launched its 2024-2028 strategic plan, aiming to transform the city into a smart and sustainable hub by 2030.
The plan was officially unveiled on Friday (Jan 17) at Dataran MPS in the Sandakan district, with Deputy Chief Minister and Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, officiating the ceremony. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting this ambitious initiative.
“This initiative lays the foundation for efforts to elevate Sandakan as the second city (bandaraya) in Sabah, after Kota Kinabalu,” said Joachim.
“This plan is not merely a document but represents a vision, shared aspirations, and a collective commitment to propel Sandakan to greater heights. I am confident that Sandakan will not only emerge as a smart and sustainable city but also serve as a model for green development in the state,” he added.
Joachim further emphasised that the strategic plan aligns with the state government’s Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To achieve city status, Joachim outlined six key criteria that the council must meet: effective governance, a sufficient population, financial stability, quality infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and active community participation.
“While the Municipal Council has already fulfilled several of these criteria, there are still challenges to overcome to ensure a smooth progression to city status. These include strengthening administration and enhancing modern infrastructure such as public transportation and affordable housing,” he said.
Joachim also encouraged the council to engage with the community to refine the strategic plan, as he believes such sessions will allow stakeholders to contribute valuable ideas and feedback for the district’s development.
He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to council president Henry Idol, who will be transferring, and Deputy President I, Wilson @ Terence Thomas, who is soon to retire. He also acknowledged the contributions of council members whose terms are coming to an end, praising their efforts in advancing Sandakan’s growth.
