KOTA KINABALU’s oldest surviving structure, the Atkinson Clock Tower, has stood watch over the seaside city for as long as Sabahans could remember.
Built in 1905, it is one of the more distinct remnants of the state’s past as a British colony. But, having survived for so long, the tower holds many forgotten secrets.
Recently, the Inner Wheel Club of Kota Kinabalu (IWCKK), Sabah Museum and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) unveiled one of these secrets in the form of a vibrant garden surrounding the structure.
“In 2011, we chanced upon an old news article from 1961 that detailed how IWCKK had established a garden called Ann’s Garden, near the tower, .
“Over time, it was forgotten and fell into disarray. So, we revived it,” said IWBKK president Cecilia Amit.
The restoration project, involving 42 IWCKK members, as well as 10 from Sabah Museum and 20 from DBKK, started last month.
They renamed it Inner Wheel Club Garden, cleaned the area and replanted flowers, adding more colour to the landmark.
In addition to the restoration, a rose mural has been painted on the site, where it now adorns the stone steps leading to the clock tower.
DBKK has agreed to be in charge of planting, watering and maintaining the garden, while IWCKK will fund the installation of a piping infrastructure.
Amit, along with DBKK director-general Datuk Joannes Solidau and Sabah Museum director Mansur Assan, unveiled a new plaque commemorating the event early this month.
Like the rest of the garden, the previous plaque was lost to the ravages of time.
Solidau, who represented Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, said City Hall was happy to offer its assistance.
“We hope that the garden will be maintained and cherished by all visitors, as we want our city to be clean, green and safe,” he said.
“DBKK will continue to ensure that Kota Kinabalu continues to be a beautiful and liveable city.”
Established in 1955 as a local branch of the international non-governmental organisation, IWCKK has been a platform for women here to contribute to society.
Members have been actively involved in projects, including providing scholarships, welfare aid, and other social contributions to the less fortunate in Sabah.