TAMBUNAN: Kampung Kiawayan residents want the contractor handling the Mangkatai road upgrading project to repair their main road, which remains in poor condition despite the scheduled completion date of Aug 25, 2026, having passed.
The Public Works Department supervises the project on behalf of the State Finance Ministry. According to the project signboard, work began on Aug 26, 2025 and was scheduled for completion on Aug 25, 2026.
A check on Oct 10 found that the deadline had passed by about six weeks, yet the village road remained unrepaired.
The once-sealed asphalt surface has deteriorated into an uneven, sandy and potholed track, worsened by lorries carrying construction materials and heavy machinery that used the road throughout the project.
In dry weather, the damaged road generates thick dust that affects air quality, raises concerns about residents’ health and breathing, and leaves their homes dirty.
Kampung Kiawayan Village Security and Development Committee Chairman Justin Ihid said the contractor should take responsibility rather than focus solely on making a profit from the project.
“The company must realise that its activities have affected basic facilities used by villagers every day.
“Any part of the road damaged by construction vehicles should be repaired and restored to its original condition before they leave the project site,” he said at the site.
Villager Macklin Kunjan said the community had always supported State Government efforts to build and upgrade roads, which are important for improving the quality of life and socioeconomic well-being of rural Sabah.
However, he said such support did not mean the contractor could ignore damage caused to the community during the works.
Residents urged the contractor to act professionally and carry out proper repairs without further delay.
They also appealed to the State Public Works Department and the Tambunan Works Superintending Officer to inspect the site promptly and ensure the contractor complies with project specifications, safety standards and completion requirements.
They said swift action was needed to prevent accidents and restore safety and comfort for road users in the village.
