Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob stressing a point during the meeting on Friday (June 7).
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Public Works Department has been urged to intervene over the 30-month delay of the WP01 Pan Borneo Highway project between Sindumin and Kampung Melalia, potentially including replacing the appointed contractor.
Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob noted that the RM483mil project was expected to be completed within 24 months from its commencement date on Dec 3, 2019.
"It was supposed to be completed by December 2021, but 30 months later, it has only reached 74% completion," he said.
Yusof added that the contractor had requested four extensions: the first for 70 days, followed by 220 days, then another 730 days, and the last for 267 days, pushing the revised completion date to June 12, 2025.
"We see significant delays and urge the Public Works Department and the consultants to intervene and resolve this issue. Given that these contractors have already requested extensions four times, their ability to complete this project is in doubt.
"On behalf of the people of Sipitang, I insist that the construction phase of the Pan Borneo Highway (WP01) not be delayed further. If necessary, the appointed contractor should be replaced or another (rescue) contractor should take over to ensure timely completion.
"While I have no personal issue with the contractors, my concern lies with the people of Sipitang, who use this route daily," he said.
Earlier, Yusof, who is also the Qhazanah Sabah Berhad chairman, Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah, and Sipitang District Officer Ak Raimy Pengiran Abdul Rahman were briefed by Public Works Department Sabah WP01 supervising officer Suhaibun Matusin on the 28.3km construction phase of the Pan Borneo Highway WP01 from Sindumin to Kampung Melalia.
Yusof emphasised the importance of the Pan Borneo Highway construction for the residents of Sipitang, which would link to the now-completed Sarawak’s Pan Borneo Highway.
Additionally, he highlighted that user safety has not been prioritised, citing issues like the lack of directional signage, particularly on detour routes, which has led to traffic accidents and wrong turns, especially for drivers from Brunei, Sarawak, and other districts.
"Detour routes are poorly maintained, with potholes, stagnant rainwater due to a lack of drainage, and uneven roads, posing a danger to users.
"Currently, the number of machinery and workers along the Pan Borneo Highway construction is insufficient, and the relocation of utility poles, water pipes, and fibre optics (telecommunications) remains incomplete in some areas," he said.
Yusof also noted that access roads to villages and residents' homes along the Pan Borneo Highway WP01 are not well-maintained.
