PENAMPANG: The upgrading works for Jalan Buayan and Jalan Terian are progressing ahead of schedule by 45 and 58 days respectively, said Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister, said the RM73.868 million Jalan Buayan project had achieved 76.64 per cent progress and was scheduled for completion in August 2027, without any extension of time (EOT).
Meanwhile, the RM99.395 million Jalan Terian project had reached 57.83 per cent completion, putting it 58 days ahead of its revised schedule following an EOT until May 2028.
He said he and Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin were satisfied with the progress of both projects and confident that they could be completed within their respective timeframes.
Ewon said the improved road infrastructure would benefit about 3,000 residents from Kg Terian, Kg Tiku, Kg Buayan and Kg Longkogungan, as well as pupils and teachers from three nearby schools, namely SK Terian, SK Buayan and SK Longkogungan, which is about 12km away.
He said improved road access would also enable local communities to develop their land for agricultural and tourism activities, potentially attracting more visitors and generating greater economic opportunities for residents.
He added that better connectivity would help improve access to essential services while supporting the movement of people, goods and agricultural produce from the villages to surrounding areas.
Ewon expressed his appreciation to the Federal Government, the Finance Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) for providing the necessary funding and overseeing the implementation of both projects.
He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the projects alongside representatives from the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR), State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), KKDW Sabah and Penampang Municipal Council.
