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KINABATANGAN: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also Works and Utilities Minister, urged the Public Works Department (PWD) to strengthen monitoring of contractors to ensure all Pan Borneo Highway projects here proceed smoothly according to schedule.

He said the department must conduct more frequent site inspections to identify the actual causes of delays, whether due to contractor performance or unresolved utility issues such as water pipes, electricity and other infrastructure relocations.

Speaking at a press conference during a working visit here on Monday, Joachim said if delays were caused by utilities, he was prepared to direct the ministry to work more closely with all stakeholders and relevant agencies to resolve the issues promptly as the state government should operate as one.

He also called on community leaders and local elected representatives to explain specific issues to residents, particularly those involving land and premises acquisition for road construction purposes.

On Work Package 26 of the Pan Borneo Highway, Joachim said progress appeared significantly delayed with existing road conditions deteriorating due to factors including the termination of a previous maintenance concession, delays by a new contractor, utility issues and unresolved housing and land matters, while Work Packages 24 and 25 recorded minor but acceptable delays that still require close monitoring to prevent similar problems elsewhere.