The first task of the Committee was to organize the first Healthy City Kuching Conference from 29 November 1994 - 03 December 1994 at Santubong Resort. During the Conference the ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE for Healthy City Kuching was depicted as a multifaceted cube comprising various Departments and Agencies, borne by two chains comprising the two City Councils. The chains are attached to the Cube by the State Health Department. The whole structure was held up by the guiding hands of the Honourable Chief Minister and the State Secretary.
One of the main objectives of that conference was to map Kuching City in terms of where facilities were located, where problems were found and so on. The participants had brainstorming sessions to identify the Dimensions and Factors which they felt were essential for Healthy City Kuching. The three Dimensions were: Economic, Social and Physical. The Factors within each of these Dimensions were as shown in the following:
Dimensions and Factors essential for Healthy City Kuching:
ECONOMIC DIMENSION Employment LabourIndustry Occupational Safety and Health Energy Resources
SOCIAL DIMENSION Community Safety Food Entertainment Leisure/sports/recreation Family values Vagrancy Tourism Caring society Religion Health Education Art and cultural heritage
PHYSICAL DIMENSION Environment Housing Open space/parks RiverTransportation RoadBuildings Factories Drainage Sewerage System Solid Waste Management System
Another brainstorming session was held to identify the characteristics of Healthy City – Kuching. The participants felt that Healthy City – Kuching should have the following attributes:
- basic amenities are available for all its citizens, - real harmony exists between the various races and religions, - it is safe, secure and affordable, - it has efficient management and delivery systems and services, - it is well-planned, - its citizens are responsible, dedicated, disciplined, caring and health-conscious, - it is dynamic and has a vibrant and resilient economy with ample economy with employment opportunities for all, - it has state-of-the-art transport, communication and information systems, - it is beautiful, clean, and pollution-free, - adequate and easily accessible recreational facilities are provided to meet the diverse needs of its citizens, - the culture and the arts are actively promoted and appreciated, and - it has readily available and affordable opportunities for further education.
Vision of Healthy City Kuching ------------------------------
In order to measure our progress towards Healthy City status, INDICATORS were also identified. The Conference DEFINED HEALTHY CITY KUCHING as a “City that enhances the QUALITY OF LIFE OF ITS CITIZENS”.
