KINABATANGAN: State Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has urged the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) to enhance monitoring of contractors to ensure that all Pan Borneo Highway projects in Kinabatangan proceed smoothly and on schedule.
He said JKR should conduct frequent site inspections to identify the root causes of delays, whether related to contractor performance or pending utility issues such as pipes, electricity, and other infrastructure.
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“If the problems stem from utilities, I am ready to request the ministry to work harder with all stakeholders, including relevant agencies, so that the issues can be resolved promptly,” he said.
He added that as a state government, there is no reason not to cooperate fully on resolving such matters.
Dr Joachim said this during a press conference following a working visit to Kinabatangan on Monday.
He also called on community leaders and local representatives to provide explanations to residents on specific issues, particularly regarding land and premises acquisition for road construction.
Regarding the construction of Work Package (WP) 26 of the Pan Borneo Highway, he noted that progress appeared significantly delayed and that the existing road condition was deteriorating.
“Some causes include the termination of the previous maintenance concession before the new contractor took over, who also faced delays, in addition to utility issues and unresolved individual housing and land matters,” he said.
He has instructed the ministry and JKR to negotiate with all stakeholders to resolve utility relocation issues and has urged contractors to accelerate work while ensuring a visible presence on project sites.
For WP 24 and 25, Dr Joachim said there were minor delays but they remain acceptable, while stressing that JKR must continue monitoring to prevent similar problems from occurring in other areas.
