1. TAED to be sorted out by a public forum

 

Dear Chief Editors/ Bureau Chiefs/ Reporters,

Here is a latest release by Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) for publication in press. If you have any queries, please use this email or use contact SEPA President Lanash Thanda (0168154105). Thank you for your ongoing support.

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PRESS RELEASE: SEPA Calls for Public Information for Tanjung Aru Beach Eco Development (TAED)

Kota Kinabalu, 22nd September 2013:  Since the Prime Minister launched the Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) on the 16th of September 2013, Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) has been inundated with calls and emails asking about continued public access to the beach.

“People are understandably concerned, having already experienced losing public spaces to tourism like Pantai Dalit in Tuaran and climbing Mount Kinabalu before the accommodation was privatised and prices rose astronomically.  Will Tanjung Aru Beach become a playground for only the rich?” asked Lanash Thanda the President of SEPA.

The number one question SEPA is being asked is if the public will continue to have access to the beach once the hotels are built according to Lanash

It seems the only information the public has had access to is the concept map published in the local newspaper and a giant signboard that states “Returning Tanjung Aru to the people of Sabah: Rehabilitating the Beach, Regenerating the Park, Rejuvenating Tourism”.

“How can you ‘return’ something the public already understands they have? And does this mean that that Prince Phillip Park will be given more space?” Lanash said sharing just some questions that have been posed.

Most concerns she noted was raised based on the concept, which shows that that they will be 10 tourism projects that include brand name hotels, service apartments and a marina.  They also seem to be different versions of the concept map with slightly different designs and one which includes a golf course.

"This is the era of public participation, SEPA urges that a Special EIA be conducted due to the sensitivity of this issue." stated Lanash.

Knowing how important Tanjung Aru is for all the people of Sabah, the Government needs to be transparent on the project and SEPA has been informed that an office is in the process of being set up and once it is up, the public can get their answers.

To ensure public participation and transparency, Lanash urges the government to quicken the setting up of this office so the public concerns can be addressed.

We have been alerted by experts on water quality and hydrology   that due to direct effluent discharge and high erosion factor something needs to be done to ensure the aesthetic beauty of Tanjung Aru is retained and that continued easy public access is ensured for the people of Sabah for future generations,” concluded Lanash.

Sabah Environmental Protection Association

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sir,

The issues needed to be dealt with are as follows:-

1.  Is this TAED in the DBKK's recent proposed plan?

2.  Who actually are involved in TAED?

3.  Is the contract already signed without public awareness?

4.  Would the very old casuarina trees be cut to make way for the intensive TAED?

5.  The area would likely be flooded when there are high tides plus heavy storms.  How to have a build up project without sacrificing the very old casuarina trees?  When heavy reclamation is done, the very old trees would perish?  Who can guarantee that the very old trees are not to be dead?

6.  Heavy and intensive development should be discouraged as the few roads in Tanjung Aru would be too congested and what is the solution for this traffic jams around the Airport or KKIA?  Any answer?

7.   Don't use the famous eco site for the Malaysia Day's celebration to announce the latest TAED.  Why is this the agenda?  

8.  Call a public forum as the local office (if there is one) would be hopeless to give any good answers.

SEPA should also raise the issue of the Water Front project facing Hotel Promenade for two reasons namely:-

1.  See how the construction has disrupted the traffic in busy peak hours when the construction has spilled  into the main road.

2.  Also no fire break for the very long block of building when the access to the side of the sea is problematic when there is a fire on the side facing the sea.

3.  I heard that this project was approved by "outsiders".

Joshua