By Jacob Achoi
BAU, Jan 27: After a seven-year wait, the long-anticipated upgrading of the Tanjung Poting-Sinubung-Tanjung Bowang road project has finally commenced, with completion scheduled for December next year.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Maritime and Riverine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep attributed the project delay primarily to land acquisition issues.
Costing RM43.990 million, the 11.4 km project is expected to provide significant convenience to the locals, eliminating the need to navigate through narrow roads as in the past.
Henry highlighted that the project, initiated and approved in 2016, is funded by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, which includes the construction of two small bridges.
The road, built to Public Works Department (JKR) R1 standard, faced delays due to design and land acquisition challenges.
“We are pleased that the project has finally kicked off to benefit the people in the area,” said Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, during the earth-breaking ceremony at Kpg Tanjung Poting Community Hall.
Henry also noted that the road project would address flooding issues in flood-prone areas. He mentioned that RM10 million has already been paid to the landowners affected by the project, acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Land and Survey Department to resolve underlying land problems.
While expressing gratitude for the landowners’ cooperation, Henry hoped that the contractor could proceed with their work without any interruptions. — DayakDaily
