Delays in major infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah carry significant consequences, increasing costs while postponing the economic and social benefits expected by the people, according to Sabah Chief Project Monitor Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
Following a site inspection with Public Works Department (JKR) officials, contractors and relevant government agencies, Salleh said progress on several key work packages under Phase 1A had been encouraging, with a number of sections now on track to achieve Certificates of Partial Completion (CPC) this year.
He said Work Packages 3, 4, 10 and 29 were progressing according to schedule, while a major milestone had already been achieved under Work Package 4 through the opening of the new four-lane dual carriageway between the Bongawan Flyover and Benoni Flyover on June 15.
“A major milestone has been achieved under WP4 with the opening of the new four-lane dual carriageway between the Bongawan Flyover and Benoni Flyover on 15 June, which is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and road safety,” he said in a statement.
Salleh added that the original scope of works under Work Packages 6 and 7 is expected to be completed and achieve CPC status by October, officially opening the route stretching from the Putatan Flyover to the Sepanggar Interchange.
The remaining five packages under Phase 1A are scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2028.
Reiterating his commitment to closely monitor the implementation of the highway project, Salleh said all stakeholders must be held accountable and that avoidable delays should not be tolerated.
“Every delay has a cost. It increases project expenditure and delays the economic and social benefits that the people of Sabah rightfully deserve. The timeline is clear. The targets are known. The people of Sabah expect results,” he said.
He added that he would continue working closely with JKR, contractors and relevant agencies to ensure any issues affecting progress on the ground are addressed promptly.
