SANDAKAN: The government has approved RM16 million upgrading project for the Lintas Sibuga Road-Batu Sapi to link with Utara Road here to solve traffic congestion in the area.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who disclosed this during a dinner reception with Head of State Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin at the official residence of Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Ir James Wong on Thursday, said the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) had allocated the RM16 million.
The upgrading project for a 2.75km two-lane route for each direction is to start early this year, he said, adding that traffic congestion faced by residents would be solved once completed.
“The upgrading project will be implemented soon as we promised to the residents during the parliamentary by-election for Batu Sapi,” Musa said.
Lintas Sibuga Road-Batu Sapi is traffic congestion-prone area due to eight schools, Sandakan Prison, Sport Complex and Temporary Detention Centre are located along the route.
Musa also said more infrastructure facilities would be built in this state for the benefit of the people.
Among the projects on the cards are to upgrade the Sandakan Airport into an international airport as well as building educational hub that will put various of educational institutions together.
“Implementing these projects will benefit the residents and they will surely encourage investors to invest in Sabah especially in Sandakan,” he said.
Among the officials in attendance were Parliament Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin and Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.
Musa and his wife Datuk Hajah Faridah Haji Tussin the Head of State and his consort Datin Seri Panglima Hajah Norlida Datuk RM Jasni attended several open houses by Chinese community leaders here as well as by State Cabinet Ministers, members of parliament and State assemblymen.
While in Sandakan, the Chief Minister spared some times visiting the family of Gum-Gum People’s Development Officer (PKR), Salamat Madali who passed away on Thursday.
Musa also presented assistance to some Chinese schools here.