Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Tenghilan lies the village of Rani Baru, within the Tamparuli region. For decades, the residents here faced insurmountable challenges due to the lack of access to clean water. Their location in the hilly terrain left them marginalized from essential infrastructure development that should have been provided by the authorities.
Numerous applications were submitted to the authorities to obtain a gravity-fed water supply system, but all efforts were in vain. Disappointment after disappointment ensued, and their hopes gradually diminished.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged when this issue came to the attention of Datuk Dr. Joseph Lee, a philanthropist renowned for his community assistance efforts. He understood that if this project were entirely handed over to the private sector, the costs would skyrocket. Therefore, he sought a more effective and efficient approach.
In a meeting with the villagers, Dr. Lee proposed several conditions:
1. Community Gotong-Royong: The project would be implemented through voluntary cooperation by all residents.
2. Establishment of a Supervisory Committee: A committee would be formed to monitor the project’s implementation until completion, with a leader appointed by the villagers.
3. Maintenance and Security Committee: To ensure the sustainability and long-term maintenance of this infrastructure, as well as to safeguard the built system.
The villagers unanimously agreed to these conditions. With this agreement, Dr. Lee embarked on the endeavor to find a sponsor.
He successfully secured support from an international organization based in the United States, committed to community empowerment projects worldwide. This organization collaborated with a Rotary club in Sabah, whose members included Dr. Lee’s colleagues experienced in charitable work.
After thorough evaluations, the project was approved. The necessary materials were provided, and with the spirit of gotong-royong, the villagers together built the gravity-fed water supply system. Within a few months, the project was successfully completed.
A launch ceremony was held, attended by representatives from the sponsor, the Rotary club, local council representatives, and delegates from the assemblyman’s office. Dr. Lee was recognized as the main coordinator who made this project possible.
A year later, the system is functioning well. Residents now enjoy clean water supply, waterborne diseases have drastically decreased, and the water is also used for agriculture, enhancing the local economy.
This story is evidence of how proactive and visionary leadership can turn the impossible into possible. With the spirit of cooperation and community empowerment, we can achieve extraordinary success.
Datuk Dr. Joseph Lee has demonstrated that with meticulous planning and effective action, challenges can be overcome, and dreams can be realized. He exemplifies the leader we need for a brighter future.
Dr Joseph Lee 