SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Indian Association (SIA) (Baru) Patron, Taren Sunil Manoharan, has urged the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) and relevant authorities to prioritise the maintenance of Ujana Elopura Recreational Park, warning that neglect could reduce the park to a potential dumpsite.
Located at Mile 2.5 North Road, the parkformerly known as Padang Baru was converted from a football field into a community park equipped with jogging tracks and other amenities.
“Ujana Elopura is one of the few remaining green lungs in Sandakan. It’s disheartening to see it slowly deteriorate,” Taren said, pointing to clogged drains, litter-strewn areas and overgrown grass as signs of poor maintenance.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});He noted that while public responsibility plays a role, the authorities must ensure adequate facilities such as rubbish bins, prompt collection services and regular upkeep of the grounds.
“Once the rot sets in, it’s much harder to fix,” he said.
He emphasised that he lack of regular maintenance, including unmanaged grass and garbage, could turn the area into a breeding ground for mosquitoes and pests, worsening Sandakan’s ongoing dengue situation.
However, Taren commended the recent development of a skatepark within the park, calling it a positive step to engage youth and encourage small-scale entrepreneurship.
“The Skate Board Park is a wonderful addition, but its surrounding areas must also be properly maintained to unlock its full potential,” he said.
Taren called on elected representatives and MPS to ensure public recreational spaces are kept clean, safe, and accessible.
“This is not a luxury, it’s a basic expectation from the people,” he said.
He also encouraged a site visit to Ujana Elopura to observe its condition firsthand.