PUTATAN: The establishment of two special committees to expedite the land acquisition and utility relocation processes is expected to reduce delays in the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah.
State Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya said the committees were among issues discussed with federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi during his working visit to Sabah last Monday.
“Here in Sabah, we have established a special committee for the land acquisition process, one of the main causes of delay in the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway.
“With the committee, we have requested the Land Revenue Collector’s Office (PPHT) to engage external resources in order to increase manpower for land valuation and compensation payment purposes.
“Another committee has been established to handle utility relocation, involving various agencies such as Sabah Electricity, the Water Department, telecommunications companies and others,” he said.
He said this after officiating the Handover Ceremony of the field at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tansau, here.
He was asked about the agenda of the meeting held with Nanta regarding the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway construction in the State.
Shahelmey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister III, said with the establishment of the committees, along with the Pan Borneo Highway Implementation Steering Committee, delays in the construction of the Highway are expected to be reduced.
“We hope any risks that could contribute to delays can be identified early and addressed promptly, so that such delays can be controlled,” he said.
