RANAU: The upgrading of the Ranau District Council (MDR) stalls behind the Futsal Field in Kundasang has been completed, marking another step in improving facilities for local traders, with additional roadside stalls also in the pipeline.
Ranau District Officer Tinus Saiman when contacted said the completed project reflects the council’s continued commitment to providing a more comfortable, organised and conducive environment for traders and visitors.
“The upgrading is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance public facilities in stages for the well-being of the community. We will continue carrying out maintenance and improvement works to ensure better amenities for the public,” he said, recently.
He added that MDR is also overseeing the construction of new roadside stalls to improve facilities for local entrepreneurs through an allocation from the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (Kuskop).
The project forms part of Kuskop’s initiative to strengthen the micro and small business sector by providing more organised, safer and conducive business premises for local entrepreneurs. The improved facilities are expected to enhance the trading environment, improve customer experience and support sustainable income growth, particularly in the tourism hub of Kundasang.
The roadside stall project follows the relocation of vegetable traders from the existing roadside site to a temporary trading area to facilitate construction works. Upon completion, the new stalls are expected to provide a safer, more organised and attractive trading environment for both traders and visitors.
Commenting on the abandoned kiosks seen behind the Kundasang futsal field, Tinus clarified that they were units rejected by the council due to substandard construction.
He said MDR did not accept several of the kiosks because they failed to meet the required specifications.
“The rejected kiosks were placed temporarily behind the futsal field pending further action. They are supposed to be returned but have yet to be collected, making them targets of vandalism,” he said.
Meanwhile, kiosks that met the required standards have been accepted by the council and distributed for use in Kundasang and Ranau towns.