KIMANIS: A total of RM494 million has been allocated for infrastructure works in Sabah this year, Works Minister Baru Bian said.
“These works include a new road from Jalan Donggongon to Tambunan from Persimpangan ITCC to Simpangan Kolopis, which has been identified and will be built at a cost of RM300 million.
“Six new small bridges totalling RM28.5 million will be built in Sandakan, Kudat and Kota Kinabalu, as well as rebuilding of slopes in six areas costing RM53 million,” he said during a working visit, here.
Baru added that the Pakatan Harapan government’s vision of Shared Prosperity is very clear to build a Malaysia that is inclusive for all and not just to benefit a select group of people.
“The Pan Borneo Highway is an example. The project was never cancelled because we want to build it according to specifications and quality for the benefit of the people and the state.
“Instead, under my ministry, we found that there were better ways to implement the Pan Borneo Highway and save the government a huge sum of money that could be better used for other infrastructure projects beneficial to the people,” he said, adding that the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah is now at 22 per cent completion.
Meanwhile, the 22.6km Bongawan-Papar stretch - which is part of the Pan Borneo Highway project - is scheduled to complete this month, and is 2.57 per cent ahead of schedule.
Baru added that under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the ministry had upgraded and completed roads at Lahad Datu-Tawau, Lahad Datu-Sandakan, Papar roundabout- Benoni roundabout, elevated junctions and a third lane on most Federal roads in Kota Kinabalu, as well as Sipitang Sindumin to Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park.
Two bridges namely the Jambatan Compact Bailey 200 heading towards Mesilau Nature Resort, Kundasang; and Jalan Kota Kinabalu-Kudat were also completed during the same period.
As Indonesia could be moving its capital to Borneo by 2024, Baru said that the ministry has also started an infrastructure development plan for both Sabah and Sarawak to have better connectivity within the region.
“All these infrastructure development projects, be it mega-projects or small constructions, have a great potential for opportunities for the state.
“I am happy that the state government of Sabah can work closely with the Federal government to see through the implementation of these projects.”
Sumber: New Straits Times