Progress and Challenges of Sabah’s Pan Borneo Highway Project
Phase 1A of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is making significant strides with a completion rate of 77.91 percent, according to Federal Works Minister Dato’ Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. This phase, which includes 15 work packages, has already seen the completion of four packages, with the remaining 11 still under construction.
Completed Work Packages
- WP05: Donggongon to Papar – Completed in August 2022.
- WP27: Kampung Lot M to Mile 32 – Completed in November 2022.
- WP15: Tawau to Semporna – Completed in August 2023.
- WP21: Lahad Datu Bypass – Completed in October 2023.
Ongoing Construction
The 11 packages still under construction are anticipated to be completed by March 2026. However, Phase 1A has faced numerous challenges that have delayed its progress. Issues such as coordination problems between contractors, government agencies, and consultants nearly pushed the project into the “sick project” category. To address these issues, Alexander has been in discussions with State Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, and frequent coordination meetings are held to ensure smooth progress.
Phase 1B and Other Packages
Phase 1B has yet to commence. Meanwhile, other work packages under observation include:
- WP01: Sindumin-Kampung Melalia – 64.99 percent completion.
- WP02: Kampung Melalia-Beaufort – 50.58 percent completion.
- WP06: Putatan-Inanam – 87.95 percent completion (as of June 30, 2023).
Project Scope and Objectives
The Pan Borneo Highway project aims to upgrade the existing two-lane, two-way single road to a four-lane, two-way dual carriageway with R5/U5 standards. This enhancement is expected to improve connectivity and transportation efficiency across Sabah.
Addressing Flooding Concerns
During a working visit to the Phase 1A construction site, Alexander highlighted the ministry’s focus on managing flood incidents in Sabah, especially in Penampang. The Sabah Works Department (JKR) and local authorities (PBT) are prepared to take immediate action in the event of flooding along the construction areas to minimize adverse effects on the local community and the project’s overall impact.
Key causes of flooding identified include:
- Unusually high rainfall leading to river overflow.
- Inadequate drainage systems outside the Federal Road Right of Way (ROW).
- Pre-existing flood-prone areas even before the Pan Borneo Highway project commenced.
To address these issues, JKR Sabah, in cooperation with consultants, the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), and PBT, continuously monitor and seek improvements in affected areas to prevent future flooding incidents.
Ongoing Studies and Future Plans
Shahelmey mentioned that an ongoing study aims to determine whether the construction works of the Pan Borneo Highway have contributed to or exacerbated flooding in the state. Initial project designs included considerations for the impact during and after construction phases, with simulations indicating minimal effects. However, increased construction and human activity may have altered water flow dynamics, necessitating further study.
Conclusion
The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah represents a significant infrastructure development aimed at enhancing connectivity and driving economic growth. Despite the challenges and delays, concerted efforts by various stakeholders are steering the project towards completion. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of strategies, especially in flood-prone areas, will be crucial to ensuring the successful and timely completion of this vital project.
During the recent site visit, notable attendees included Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, underscoring the importance and high-profile nature of the Pan Borneo Highway project for Sabah’s future development.
