Penampang:Two rural road upgrade projects in Kampung Buayan and Kampung Terian are advancing ahead of schedule, with a combined allocation of RM173.263 million. Both projects are making significant progress towards completion.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Kampung Buayan road upgrade, costing RM73.868 million, covers a 5.6-kilometer stretch and includes the construction of two bridges. It has reached 76.64% physical progress, 45 days ahead of schedule, and is expected to be completed by August 2027. Meanwhile, the Kampung Terian road upgrade, valued at RM99.395 million and covering a 6.7-kilometer stretch, is 57.83% complete, 58 days ahead of schedule, with a projected completion date of May 2028.
Both projects commenced in 2024, funded by the Federal Government through the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), and are being monitored by the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR). Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, expressed satisfaction with the progress and emphasized the importance of meeting the set timelines.
The Kampung Buayan project is progressing smoothly without needing an extension of time (EOT). However, the Kampung Terian project has been granted a one-year EOT due to land acquisition issues and the location of the concrete bridge construction. These projects were also discussed at the Penampang District Development Action Committee meeting to ensure ongoing monitoring.
Additionally, efforts are underway to secure funding to extend the rural road alignment to Kampung Longkogungan as part of the Penampang Development Master Plan 2024-2035. The projects aim to enhance infrastructure facilities and provide benefits to residents and visitors to nearby villages upon completion.
Ewon also mentioned initiatives to help residents obtain land titles through the Sabah Native Customary Land Services Programme (PANTAS). During a site visit, he distributed spandek roofing sheets to 33 households under the first phase of assistance to replace old roofs and agreed to allocate similar assistance to another 44 families who had applied.