RM670m upgrade for Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar road
KINARUT: Plans to upgrade Jalan Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar at an estimated cost of RM670 million is in the pipeline, according to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Hj Abdul Rashid Shirlin.
The project, divided into three phases spanning 32 kilometres, involved widening the road in view of the heavy traffic, said Rosnah.
The government was still doing surveying work for phase one and two of the project, she disclosed.
Meanwhile, she said phase three, which stretched four kilometres from Papar town, was under construction and involved a cost of RM55 million.
At least three bridges would also be built in phase two and three, said Rosnah, adding that the upgrading works would be carried out on state roads with allocation from the federal government.
On another note, Rosnah advised business operators at the Benoni Commercial Centre (BCC) in Papar to discuss with the relevant authority about their objection to the construction of a flyover at the roundabout along the Pan Borneo Highway near the commercial centre.
Operators at the BCC have expressed worry that the flyover might affect business at the commercial centre as travellers might bypass them.
However, Rosnah stressed that the decision should take into consideration safety and traffic.
“I have advised those who brought up the matter to discuss with the Public Works Department to determine the best option if the flyover is not agreeable to some people,” she said after officiating at the opening ceremony of the Family Care Clinic at the Palm Square Commercial Centre here yesterday.
Meanwhile, WSG Group managing director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the establishment of the clinic would provide much convenience for the residents of Kinarut as they would no longer have to travel to Papar, Putatan, Penampang or Kota Kinabalu for medical treatment.
“This will reduce the cost of medical treatment,” she said.
Wong also said more businesses would be moving into the Palm Square Commercial Centre, developed by WSG Group, apart from the existing clinic, supermarkets, fast food restaurant and eateries.
Also present was Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar.