Make timber contractors pay for the road damage: Misery of folks plying Sipitang to Long Pasia
Published on: Wednesday, November 22, 2023
By: Ahmad Apong
Even four-wheel-drive vehicles get stuck in the Sipitang-Long Pasia mud.
SIPITANG: Kg Long Mio residents here are wondering when the Unity Government will implement the road upgrade project from Sipitang to Long Pasia.
The story from the ground is that the people are tired of the promises.
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Terrible road conditions are causing vehicles to break down, resulting in them getting stranded on their way down to town.
One road user who would only like to be known as Stephen said:
“My car got stuck in the mud and has been damaged since 3pm,” he said
He said there was no help offered to remove the car, causing passengers to wait in cold and hungry conditions.
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Some of the passengers were supposed to attend a medical appointment at Likas Hospital the next day.
“In this situation, is the timber contractor responsible for the damage to this road that is left muddy and even potholed?
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“If so, they should be more responsible and stop looking only at profit and let sick people miss their appointments because the roads are not maintained,” he said.
The roads have also become a big obstacle for the villagers going home to celebrate Christmas, especially those who go to town to buy necessities.
“It will burden people who are sick and need emergency care, especially pregnant mothers and the elderly.
“I hope there are parties who can help repair this road as soon as possible instead of just using the road for selfish interests like a logging company,” Stephen said.
He added that after 60 years of independence, the roads still seem to be primitive while leaders come and go but promises remain unfulfilled.
“It is hoped that the authorities would monitor the logging activities which damage roads that should be maintained and not let the people suffer.
“We also hope both Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusoff Yaccob and Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah will instruct the Public Works Department to maintain the road for the benefit of the villagers for a change,” he said.
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