Rotary Clean Water Project Brings Relief to Residents of Two Villages

Dr Joachim (third from the right) poses for a commemorative photo at the event while holding a water tap.

21 May 2025

RANAU: Over 1,000 residents from Kampung Takutan and Kampung Tamalang are now enjoying access to clean water and sanitation facilities, thanks to the implementation of the Rotary Clean Water and Sanitation Project.

Deputy Chief Minister II and Member of the State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Kundasang, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, officially launched the project on 21 May.

According to him, Kampung Takutan and Kampung Tamalang are among 38 villages across the state that have benefitted from the project since its inception in 2019.

He added that, in Ranau alone, 16 projects have been completed, benefiting 7,649 residents from 1,658 households.

“An additional 10 similar projects will be carried out in the Ranau district throughout this year.

“I extend my congratulations to the residents of Kampung Takutan and Kampung Tamalang for working hand in hand to make this gravity-fed piping project a success.

“I hope the villagers will continue to cooperate in carrying out regular maintenance so that these facilities can serve the community well into the future,” he said.

Dr Joachim, who was accompanied by his wife, Datin Linda Ewit, also took the opportunity to mingle with the villagers who gathered to celebrate the occasion.

He expressed his appreciation to the Rotary Club and the project’s main sponsors, Elder Brad and Sister Marsha Douglas from the Malaysian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Meanwhile, President of the Rotary Club of Kinabalu Pearl, Chenderamata Sinteh, affirmed the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting and collaborating with local leadership in planning and implementing similar community-based initiatives.

Chenderamata also thanked the villagers for their strong cooperation throughout the project’s implementation.

The launch ceremony, held at two separate locations, was also attended by the Member of Parliament for Ranau, Datuk Jonathan Yassin; Assistant District Officer of Ranau; Dr Joachim’s political secretary, Yubidi Gompoyos; Jeffarison Solingkin representing the District Officer; Community Development Leader (PPM) for Kundasang, Dounis Sani; Ranau Assistant Development Officer, Saiful Ruling; Project Chairperson and former President of Rotary, Datuk Suzannah Liaw; as well as the Chairpersons of the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) and Village Heads of Kampung Takutan and Kampung Tamalang, local residents, and members of the Rotary Club of Likas Bay.