Transition quarters for affected landowners

KOTA KINABALU: Owners of lands which will be affected by the Pan Borneo Highway project do not have much to worry as due compensation, and a recently-proposed transition quarters will be provided to them.

State Land and Survey Department director Datuk Safar Untong disclosed that there had been a number of landowners involved in the said project who have agreed to surrender their lands.

It was also understood that the cooperation shown by the concerned landowners had been encouraging thus far.

Borneo Highway PDP (BHP) Sdn Bhd’s CEO cum managing director Shahelmy Yahya said that the response shown by these landowners had been ‘accommodating’.

“However, landowners who do not have other homes to move out to may take a longer time to settle in. As an initiative by the government, landowners who are stuck with no other alternatives, may opt for the transition quarters option,” said Shahelmy.

He explained that for his organisation is currently awaiting approval from the central agency for the establishment of the transition quarters, which, if eventually completed, will definitely enhance the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway project.

Also, if completed, these quarters are expected to house 100 units.

“Many of them (the landowners) have agreed to surrender their lands. For Papar Phase 3B, we were able to organize a handingover ceremony of the offer letter at the Papar community hall,” said Safar.

Safar disclosed that he plans to organize more of such ceremonies as it can be used as a platform to further explain the mechanisms of the Pan Borneo Highway projects, especially in regards to compensation.

He explained that compensation will be calculated accordingly taking into consideration the current market value

“In the event these landowners refuse to move out from their land, the State Land and Survey Department has the power to evict them from their lands,” he said.

Safar and Shahelmy spoke to the media during a press conference at BHP’s breaking of fast event held at The Pacific Sutera on Tuesday.