PROJECTS MUST ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE

EXAMINING..... Minister of Local Government and Housing Hajiji Noor (middle) examining models of the development projects on display with President of SHAREDA Susan Wong (left), Sabah Federal Secretary Abu Bakar Hassan (far left) and Director of the Town and Regional Planning Department Mursidi Sapie.

By : ELAINE MAH

AT THE recent State Planning Conference held in Kota Kinabalu, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman urged senior officers and private sector representatives at the meeting to ensure that development projects are well-planned and organized, and more importantly, have sound environmental features that incorporate elements of green technology.

In his speech read by Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Hajiji Haji Noor, Musa said the conference is timely and beneficial as itprovides an opportunity for civil servants, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to meet and explore how best they can plan and propel sustainable development in the state in line with current thinking and application of green technology.

"The government is firmly committed to pursue green development in Sabah through its various agencies," he said.

The Chief Minister told the meeting that while the extent of the country's development may be assessed in terms of its physical development, the country's progress is also measured by the way it manages its"green wealth" and the country's natural beauty.

Musa reminded all at the meeting to be mindful of the environmental impact of the development work they carry out, and urged them to continue to work together to develop the state without jeopardizing the health and beauty of the environment.

"I believe that if we are able to create green cities in this state, and at the same time ensure that the development we implement is sustainable, we will have created an environment that is clean, safe and harmonious," he said.

Musa also reminded those present that all development projects, be they housing, commercial or industrial projects, must include ample space for leisure and recreational activities. (Insight Sabah)