Yusof voices scepticism on Pan Borneo packages
Published on: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
By: Sherell Jeffrey
Dr Yusof pointed out that the contractors have no regard for the safety of road users by permitting damages on the roads and allowing the unsafe state of the roads to persist, resulting in numerous accidents and car damage.
Kota Kinabalu: SINDUMIN Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob expressed scepticism that Phase One of the Pan Borneo Highway Project will be able to finish its 15 packages by the end of 2024.While thanking the State Works Minister for the commitment that the 15 packages will be completed by the end of 2024, Dr Yusof still has his doubts that it would be completed on time.ADVERTISEMENT
“As a member of the public who witnesses the contractors’ work, I find it unprofessional, disorganised and of poor quality. I am not sure it will be completed by 2024,” said Dr Yusof when debating the Head of State’s Policy Speech at the State Assembly.
Dr Yusof pointed out that the contractors have no regard for the safety of road users by permitting damages on the roads and allowing the unsafe state of the roads to persist, resulting in numerous accidents and car damage.
“The people are not against the Pan Borneo Highway project, but it must be completed on schedule rather than causing annoyance to road users throughout the construction period. The people demand that the Public Works Department (PWD) constantly monitor and ensure that the rules are always followed,” he said. He asserted that damaged roads under concessionaires’ control are likewise unresolved.
“Concessionaires make a variety of excuses that only make things worse for the people. In short, these concessionaires do not satisfy the people,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT
According to him, the Government should assess the concessionaires to see if they are efficient or should be terminated.
He also advised that maintenance by the PWD in each district, such as machinery placement, qualified technicians and sufficient special financing, be given over to the district PWD, as it had been previously.
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On water issues, he said Sabah does have a lot of water resources, thanks to rain, rivers and underground water, but the current management does not give a lasting solution, in addition to the Sabah Water Department corruption scandal. In short, we failed to manage our water supply,” he said.
He said the Government lost money on water production concessions and that this places an excessive load on the Government.
“A reticulation mechanism for user fee collecting would greatly improve the effectiveness of the Ministry. Government-linked companies can manage the whole water production concession, and all proceeds are returned to the State. It is high time we start modelling our water systems after those of more industrialised nations like Singapore or even Selangor.
“Bore hole” gravity system or rainwater collecting should be constructed, and substantial funding allocated, for rural communities who are geographically isolated, he said. He also said Sabah’s political leaders, both in power and in opposition, need to grasp the fact that Sabah possessed vast untapped potential.
“We have everything especially natural resources such as oil, minerals and vast fertile land necessary for continued development. We just need political stability, competent leadership and knowledgeable human resources.
“There is a time and place for politics. The State Election will only be held no later than September 2025. Rumours of a dissolution is false and rumours of the GRS-led government being terminated is also not true. The problems of the people are what we must all address. Sabah leaders who serve in the Federal Unity Government should advocate, request and ensure funds and the MA63 are put into effect,” he said.
He said the attitude of political leaders, leaders and GLCs, as well as government officials who care only about enriching themselves at the taxpayers’ expense will only ruin the State.
“I believe that the retirement benefits received by lawmakers and public servants will be adequate. Thus, focus should be on building the State as a whole,” he said.
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