KOTA KINABALU: The Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKKP) was awarded a RM100,000 grant by Majlis Penasihat Wanita Sabah (MPWS) through their Secretariat Jabatan Hal Ehwal Wanita (JHEWA), to go towards Landscape Beautification Project at Wisma Wanita, Kota Kinabalu.
The announcement was made by Datuk Hajah Noni Said on 31st December 2020, at the “Majlis Penyerahan Geran Peruntukan Kepada NGOs Wanita” (Award of Grants for Women NGOs ceremony), that took place at Sabah International Convention Centre, during her term as the Chairperson of Majlis Persatuan Wanita Sabah (MPWS).
Eliza Goh who was the President of RCKKP during that time was on hand to receive the award, along with RCKKP’s Community Service Director Tulip Noorazyze who was entrusted to oversee the project.
One of Rotary International’s area of focus is on environmental care, and this project fits the bill. Mr Kevin Chong is the landscape consultant who was engaged by RCKKP for the project.
Though the plan and design was presented to JHEWA in March 2021, the works however were delayed due to the existing covid-19 pandemic movement restriction order at that time. It wasn’t until October 2021, after the letter of approval to work in an open public space was approved by JHEWA, that works were finally able to proceed.
The “kampung” concept that was adopted by RCKK Pearl for this project included planting red palm trees with colourful plants surrounding its bases, at the entrance to Wisma Wanita, along with variegated gardenias that gives out a refreshing fragrance to any visiting guests or staff.
Meanwhile, clusters of bougainvillea with varying colours interspersed with different varieties of shrubs line up the driveway leading to the front of the building. Potted bonsai bougainvillea mixed with shrubs can also be seen at the side of the main building. Some of this areas were not in the original plan but were added later in the middle of the project to cover parts of the building that were left bare by previous contractors. To complete the kampong-like atmosphere of the beautification theme, huge tajaus (clay urns) are strategically placed in the yard, next to the artfully painted mural ethnic deco on the side of the building, facing the main streets of Jalan Keramat.
It is hoped that the landscape makeover will help create a more pleasant and inviting atmosphere not just for the staff working at Wisma Wanita, but also for guests at any
event held there.
On 25th July 2022 the completed landscape project was handed over to the Director of JHEWA, Puan Hajah Haslina binti Ismail, in a simple ceremony that was attended by the current President of RCKKP Datuk Aminah Ambrose, Datuk Noni Said as former MPWS Chairperson, RCKKP Past President and current Rotary District 3310 Assistant Governor for Group 13, Eliza Goh, and RCKKP Community Service Director Tulip Noorazyze.-pr/BNN
