By WU VUIDE
PAPAR: The RM70.6 million upgrading project for Lok Kawi Road from the Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut is expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety along the rapidly developing Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the project reflected the Federal Government’s continued commitment, through the Works Ministry, to strengthening road infrastructure development in Sabah.
He said the Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor had become one of the State’s fastest-growing areas, with increasing residential developments, government premises, schools and tourism products.
This rapid development had resulted in a significant increase in traffic volume, particularly during peak hours, which was among the main concerns raised by road users.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to plan and implement development projects that benefit the people and improve their well-being,” he said, when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrading project at the WSG Kinarut Show Gallery.
Hajiji said the 1.3km project involved upgrading the existing two-lane road into a dual two-carriageway, four-lane road.
He said the approval of the project demonstrated that the government continued to give due attention to the voices and mobility needs of the people of Sabah.
He said the project scope went beyond road widening and placed strong emphasis on road user safety.
“Among the facilities to be provided are a pedestrian bridge, covered walkways to the school, bus stops and motorcycle shelters, which will benefit students, pedestrians and road users,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji assured that the State Government would extend its full cooperation in land acquisition and utility relocation matters to ensure the project was implemented smoothly.
He said all departments and utility agencies involved must act swiftly to resolve technical issues so the project could be completed according to schedule.
“We do not want bureaucratic red tape to hinder the implementation of this very important project. Close cooperation between the Federal and State agencies must be strengthened to ensure its success,” he said.
Hajiji said efficient and safe road infrastructure was the backbone of socio-economic growth and could stimulate investment and the tourism sector.
He expressed confidence that the project would reduce travelling time, improve connectivity and spur economic activities in Papar.
He said Papar was already undergoing significant transformation through various infrastructure and commercial projects, and had the potential to become a major stopover destination for visitors from Brunei and Sarawak once the Pan Borneo Highway was fully completed.
He also announced the approval of the Papar Bridge Project 2 and emergency works to add rocks and earth along the banks of the Kogopon River intake, as well as riverbank protection works proposed by Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
Also present were Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Hajiji (centre), performs the symbolic launch of the upgrading project with from third left Nanta, Dr Joachim, Armizan and other guests.
