All 35 packages to be implemented
KOTA KINABALU: There are no changes to the Pan Borneo Highway plan in Sabah and all the 35 packages would be implemented, said Works Minister Baru Bian.
He said of the total packages, 12 have been awarded, and the ministry will be engaging with a consultant firm for a review to determine the costing for the remaining 23 packages, which have yet to be awarded.
“I would like to give assurance that the central government intends to implement this and it’s our project. We want to see that it is being completed well and everyone will be happy. I have stated that this is a big project for Sabah and Sarawak. We don’t have many highways in Sabah and Sarawak and because of that we intend to ensure that this project will be implemented and be completed throughout the state of Sarawak,” Baru assured during a press conference here yesterday.
“So far, the ministry with the MOF (Ministry of Finance) have discussed the best way and model to implement this project after this. We are still in the process of talking together and see that the best option, the best model, as well as payment because I understand that this is a big matter,” he said, noting that delayed payments spanning months have plagued contractors of the project in Sabah.
“So far, we are still in discussion and we want revision on whether this is suitable with our financial situation. Maybe we have to go into stages. The final analysis has to be done eventually but maybe it will take time and maybe because it is subject to our budget, we may go at it phase by phase.
“We do not need to do it at one go. All this will be studied and in the final analysis at the end of the day, we want the whole package to be implemented,” he added.
Baru revealed that the ministry would need the help of the state government to face the land acquisition issue for the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah.
“Acquisition of land is a really big problem. I understand this is also the same problem in Sarawak with the enforcement to evict, to remove them from the land. There are illegal occupants but also squatters or legal occupants,” said Baru.
“Eviction is under the power of the state government and that is why we would like cooperation from the AG Chambers, Land and Surveys, enforcement agencies and others.
“That is one and probably the biggest factor now. Removal of utilities for example, that is the other issue and, of course, late payment to the contractors. So all of this has been discussed and we will see the best way to expedite and to overcome this problem,” he added.
Baru revealed that changes on the previous RM12.8 billion cost for the Pan Borneo Highway project will be forwarded to the Ministry of Finance.