KOTA KINABALU: A controversial mixed commercial and residential multi-storey complex was launched at the suburban Kepayan Ridge here, amid ongoing calls for a review of the project, which residents claim was an area earmarked for recreation.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam launched the 88-Avenue project on Saturday (Aug 10).
The project is a joint development between the state-owned Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) and a private company, Megacity Builder.
Dr Joachim, who is also the state Local Government and Housing Minister, said the new project will be another landmark for Kepayan residents and reflects close cooperation between the government and the private sector to bring about development.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, he said it would involve the development of five blocks with a total of 1,498 apartments, ranging from 27 to 29 storeys.
Dr Joachim said the project would allow more people to buy apartments according to their needs and affordability in an area close to the city centre.
He added that the development would also include a market to serve residents around the area.
Dr Joachim expressed confidence that the strategic partnership between LPPB, the landowner, and Megacity Builders would reshape the landscape of Kepayan Ridge into a well-planned and modern area.
Residents from several housing estates in the area, including Austral Park, have protested against the development project over the past few years.
They claim the prime piece of land, reserved for sports and recreation, was rezoned without their knowledge.
They have called for a transparent investigation into how the open space was rezoned without consultation.
However, LPPB general manager Rosemary Ahping said the land, held under Country Lease CL 015628289 at Kepayan Ridge, belongs to LPPB and is being developed by the authority and a developer.
She stated that the land was not an open space nor a sport and recreation reserve, but was always zoned as commercial.
The residents have countered that under the March 9 master plan, the 2.42ha was designated for sport and recreation usage and this was reflected in the annexes of the Sale and Purchase Agreement of Austral Park.
Ronald Cooke, an Austral Park resident and among those protesting against the development, said on Saturday that it was sad the project was going ahead without the government explaining how and when the area was zoned commercial.
“The question was even raised by Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong in the assembly, but the state government did not respond to it,” said Cooke, who, like many other residents, insists the land was wrongfully converted to commercial use.
