RM112m to repair 8 critical slopes in Tambunan, Ranau

Tambunan: Remedial works on eight critical slopes along Ranau-Tambunan Road have begun and are expected to be completed by April 2017 at a cost of RM112.7 million.The work will also include a road upgrading from Km 39 to Km 40.5. The total length of road to be upgraded, including those sections to be upgraded under the eight slope remedial works, is about four kilometres.

During a site visit to Kg Kerokot where the most critical of the eight slopes is situated, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said it is an occasion that the people in both districts of Ranau and Tambunan have been waiting for the past 30 years.

"I have never stopped asking for the budget for this project and we are grateful that it was approved at last. I am also aggrieved when people complained about the conditions of the road. Of course, in undertaking this major project, there are numerous hindrances that need to be addressed and solved first such as the problems with electricity poles, graveyards, fish ponds and buildings.

"So preparations are essential before the project can get off the ground. But we are glad that now we can get down to business although there are still some little problems that are yet to be resolved," he said.

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Pairin added that projects such as these would open up other opportunities to the locals, including job opportunities for those who are experienced in the field.

In addressing a concern by a villager who was worried that the retaining wall which will be built as part of the project would cause flooding of the nearby paddy fields due to river diversion, Pairin said it is a legitimate concern because it had happened before and directed the project consultant to conduct studies in order to eliminate the probability of the problem from happening.

"I have always said that we should nip the problem in the bud. Prevention is always better than cure. I also urge the project consultant to monitor the contractors and their actions and to always take into account the locals' concerns," he said.

Meanwhile, Pairin agreed that something needs to be done with regards to a 400-metre stretch that leads to a nearby village.

"I have visited the village before. Of course when it is dry, the road is passable. But when it rains, it is impossible to go through with cars," he said.

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Replying to another villager, Public Works Department (PWD) Director Amrullah Kamal said an immediate investigation will be done to determine the validity of a villager's complaint about a supposedly dangerous snaky road near the village that had been blamed for several road accidents.

"If it is true that the road is dangerous, then we will set it as black spot. If it is true that the road is the cause of accidents and the rate is high, then we will pay attention and do something about it," he said.

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