PENAMPANG: Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick has given his assurance that no homes will be demolished for the construction of a proposed underpass related to the Pan Borneo Highway project in Kg Kolopis, Penampang.
Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, said the Public Works Department (JKR) had provided clarifications regarding the scope of work, which he hopes would ease the concerns of affected villagers.
“I appreciate JKR’s cooperation in addressing issues raised by Kg Kolopis residents. I also thank YB Datuk Shahelmey and JKR for their willingness to explain and engage directly with the villagers,” he said after a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, in Kota Kinabalu, Monday.
The discussion focused on an additional scope of work under the Pan Borneo Highway project, specifically the construction of a vehicular box culvert (underpass) tofacilitate light vehicle access in the area, which had sparked unease among residents.
Ewon said a joint site visit by JKR and relevant stakeholders would be conducted today to mark the highway/road reserve and the actual areas involved in the project.
“I want to reaffirm that no residential structures will be affected. I hope this assurance brings clarity and peace of mind to the residents,” he added.
Also present at the meeting were several resident representatives from Kg Kolopis: Lofina Justin, Nicholas Toidis and Johnny Joseph.
Last week, four families in Tindai Kolopis voiced concerns about potentially losing their homes and land, following an eviction notice issued by the Land and Survey Department in relation to the highway project.
Spokesperson Johnny said the families were shocked to learn about plans for an underpass road that would be built alongside a major junction, resulting in possible land acquisition.
“There are already four underpasses within a 3km stretch between Kg Kambazan and Tindai. What’s puzzling is the claim that this new underpass was requested by the community — we were never consulted,” he said.
Johnny accused the authorities of proceeding without proper dialogue with affected villagers.
“They just came to us with the proposal and shoved it down our throats without the decency to inform or consult us. We were truly shocked,” he added.