PAPAR: The RM70.6 million upgrading project for the Lok Kawi Road from the Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut is expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety along the rapidly developing Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the project reflected the Federal Government’s continued commitment, through the Ministry of Works (KKR), to strengthening road infrastructure development in Sabah.
He said the Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor had become one of the State’s fastest-growing areas, with increasing number of residential developments, government premises, schools and tourism products.
This has resulted in a significant increase in traffic volume, leading to congestion, particularly during peak hours, which has become one of the main concerns.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to plan and implement development projects that benefit the people and improve their well-being,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony at the WSG Kinarut Show Gallery, Tuesday.
Present were Federal Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Chief Minister 1 cum Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister cum Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Rural Development Assistant Minister cum Limbahau assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, Yayasan Sabah Director cum Kawang assemblyman Dato Sri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, Pantai Manis assemblyman Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir Petra, WSG Managing Diretor Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen and senior officials.
Hajiji said the initial 1.3-km project involves upgrading the existing two-lane road into a dual two-carriageway, four-lane road and the approval of the project demonstrated that the Government continued to give due attention to the voices and mobility needs of the people of Sabah.
He said the project scope goes beyond road widening and places strong emphasis on road user safety.
“Among the facilities to be provided are a pedestrian bridge, covered walkways to the school, bus stops and motorcycle shelters, which will benefit students, pedestrians and road users,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji assured that the State Government would extend its full cooperation in land acquisition and utility relocation matters to ensure the project is implemented smoothly.
He said all departments and utility agencies involved must act swiftly to resolve any technical issues so that the project could be completed according to schedule.
“We do not want bureaucratic red tape to hinder the implementation of this very important project. Close cooperation between the Federal and State agencies must be strengthened to ensure its success,” he said.
Hajiji said efficient and safe road infrastructure is the backbone of socio-economic growth and is also capable of stimulating investment and the tourism sector.
He expressed confidence that the project would reduce travelling time, improve connectivity and spur economic activities in Papar in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap.
He noted that Papar was already undergoing significant transformation through the implementation of various infrastructure and commercial projects, and had the potential to become a major stopover destination for visitors from Brunei and Sarawak once the Pan Borneo Highway is fully completed.
The Chief Minister also announced approval of the Papar Bridge Project 2 and emergency works to add rocks and earth along the banks of the Kogopon River intake, as well as riverbank protection works, proposed by the Papar Member of Parliament, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, for the convenience and benefit of the people of Papar.
