TAMBUNAN: The wait of more than two decades for residents of Kampung Mangkatai and several nearby villages to enjoy paved roads is now nearing an end, as the village’s main road upgrade project has reached 80 per cent completion.
Member of Parliament for Keningau and State Assemblyman for Tambunan, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, on Monday visited the project site to inspect the progress of the work.
The RM29 million project involves upgrading a gravel road to an asphalt paved road along 4.8km, and is expected to be fully completed on Aug 28, 2026.
Tambunan District Public Works Department (JKR) Civil Engineer Daniel Leonard said the physical progress of the project is currently at 80 per cent and is proceeding according to schedule. The project is being implemented by Kenari Express Sdn Bhd.
Dr Jeffrey said he was pleased with the progress of the long-awaited project for residents of Kampung Mangkatai and surrounding villages, who had been facing difficulties using the gravel road for almost 20 years.
He said the effort to realise the project was not easy, as it required a long period to secure allocations and go through various planning and approval processes.
According to him, the success of the project was the result of cooperation from various parties, including the continuous efforts of Nicholas Denis, former chairman of the Kampung Mangkatai Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), who had submitted applications and championed the need for the road upgrade together with the Tambunan District Public Works Department.
He said that once completed, the road would greatly benefit local residents, particularly in facilitating daily activities, improving access to basic facilities, speeding up the transport of agricultural produce and stimulating rural economic activities.
Also present during the visit were Special Development Officer of Keningau and Tambunan Assemblyman Saldvilla Wences, and Tambunan Community Development Leader (PPM) Jinus Taguah.
For residents of Mangkatai and surrounding areas, the project is not just a road construction, but a symbol of 20 years of waiting that is finally turning into tangible development for the people.
