Works Minister says federal-state synergy crucial for Papar traffic dispersal projects to benefit the people.
PAPAR: The Works Ministry (KKR) has emphasised that close synergy between the Federal Government and the Sabah government is vital to ensuring the smooth implementation of infrastructure projects, particularly for traffic dispersal in this area.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the integrated involvement of various agencies would ensure that all plans proceed on schedule for the benefit of the people. He called for full cooperation from the state government and relevant agencies to expedite land acquisition and utility relocation at the construction site.
“Swift action is vital to avoid any technical obstacles that could potentially affect the progress of these high-impact infrastructure projects,” he told reporters here today after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jalan Lok Kawi upgrading project from the Sabindo Roundabout to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kinarut, officiated by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Nanta also urged appointed contractors to carry out their responsibilities with full integrity while strictly adhering to the implementation schedule and quality specifications.
“To ensure everything goes according to plan, continuous monitoring will be carried out by the Works Ministry, the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia and the Sabah Public Works Department,” he said.
Meanwhile, Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, said two additional projects would be implemented in the district to support the expansion of the local infrastructure network. These include the upgrading of the Pengalat-Papar bypass, funded by the Federal Government through the Works Ministry with the tender process expected to begin in November.
“The other new project is the construction of the Sungai Padang bridge, which was just approved by the Chief Minister at the ceremony,” he added.
Armizan said that with the new bridge, Papar would have a total of three bridges for more effective traffic flow dispersal. The aggressive expansion of infrastructure aims to end daily traffic congestion endured by thousands of road users in the district. He noted that a journey which should take only 45 minutes now stretches to almost three hours during peak periods.
He appealed to the ministry to retain the existing alignment in the Jalan Lok Kawi upgrade project, despite the higher cost, for the benefit of local residents.
The 1.3-kilometre project under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) will upgrade the road into a four-lane dual carriageway, equipped with pedestrian overpasses, a covered walkway to SMK Kinarut and the upgrading of three roundabouts to intersections with traffic lights.
