Tenom: A proposed alternative road to ease traffic congestion in Tenom town and the implementation of the RM42 million Melalap Water Treatment Plant are among the key development priorities being pursued to improve infrastructure and water supply in Tenom and Melalap.
State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the matters were discussed during a meeting with the Tenom District Office, the Public Works Department (JKR), the Sabah State Water Department, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and the Tenom District Council here on Monday.
He said the meeting was held to finalise the alignment of the proposed alternative road aimed at reducing traffic congestion along routes serving SM Tsung Shin, SM St Anthony, SM Chung Hwa and SJKC Chung Hwa Tenom.
“The original proposal involved the construction of an alternative road by JKR at an estimated cost of RM12 million, and an application was submitted to the Federal Government earlier this year. However, approval has yet to be obtained.
“As such, we have taken the initiative to provide a temporary alternative route that will pass through several privately owned lands. Following discussions with the landowners, they have agreed to allow the temporary route to be established for the convenience of the people of Tenom and Melalap,” he said.
Jamawi said the meeting also received a briefing from the Sabah State Water Department on the proposed Melalap Water Treatment Plant, which has entered the final stage of preparation before the tender process begins.
According to him, all project requirements, including land acquisition, engineering aspects, design and funding, have been completed.
“The project, valued at approximately RM42 million, has been approved by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) and will increase water supply capacity by about three million litres per day.
“It will not only support the Senagang Water Treatment Plant in supplying water to Melalap and Tenom, but will also prepare for future water demand in the new Melalap township to prevent supply shortages in the years ahead,” he said.
Jamawi added that the Sabah Water Department is expected to advertise the construction tender by the end of this year.
“We hope construction can be completed within three to four years, and by 2030 the people of Melalap will enjoy a new water treatment plant capable of meeting the area’s water supply needs,” he said.
In a related development, Jamawi said the Government had also decided to reorganise traffic flow around Orchid Plaza through road realignment and the restructuring of parking bays to reduce congestion during peak hours.
He said street lights along the new bridge route from the Orchid Plaza Roundabout to the Amboy Roundabout would also be installed by the contractor by the end of August.
According to him, the road would remain under the contractor’s responsibility until September before being handed over to JKR and subsequently to the Tenom District Council for maintenance.
Meanwhile, Jamawi said construction of the new Melalap weekly market site had reached about 30 per cent completion.
He said the area would be developed as a heritage-themed attraction, featuring the reconstruction of the Melalap railway station, as well as the placement of an old locomotive and railway carriage that would be converted into a restaurant to attract tourists.
“Stalls will also be provided for local traders so that this development can stimulate Melalap’s economy and benefit the local community,” he said.
Earlier, Jamawi also officiated the Sabah Schools Sports Council (MSS Sabah) Under-15 Football Championship in Tenom, which features 23 teams and held until Aug 7.
He said the tournament served as an important platform to identify new talent capable of representing Sabah in the future, in line with the State Government’s aspiration to increase the participation of local players in the Sabah FC squad.
