Pan Borneo Sabah delays stem from multiple factors, not one party, says projects chief inspector

Kota Kinabalu, October 16 — The slow progress of the Pan Borneo Sabah Highway Phase 1A project cannot be solely blamed on any single party, according to Datuk Seri Salleh Mohd Said Keruak, the Chief Inspector of Projects Sabah. Technical, administrative, and financial challenges have all contributed to the delays. He cautioned against placing the blame entirely on the Sabah government, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration among all parties involved.

More than 70% of the project focuses on upgrading existing Federal roads from two lanes to four, a task complicated by land acquisition, existing buildings, residential areas, and the relocation of utility infrastructure. Salleh identified the alteration of original designs that did not accurately reflect the actual site conditions as a primary factor behind the delays.

These design modifications necessitate thorough scrutiny and coordination among consultants and technical experts appointed by the Works Ministry. Additional costs resulting from such changes further complicated the process, requiring technical assessments and financial approval from both the Works Ministry and the Finance Ministry.

Lengthy approval procedures have also impacted the smooth implementation of the project. To mitigate future delays, Salleh urged the Works Ministry and the Finance Ministry to establish a more streamlined and expedited approval mechanism, particularly for variation orders and adjustments to financial limits. He suggested that these mechanisms should be integrated into the original contracts or formalized through supplementary agreements to enable more efficient approval processes.

Salleh stressed that the project necessitates shared responsibilities among the Federal and Sabah governments, consultants, contractors, and utility companies. Each party should be evaluated based on its specific authority and responsibilities, rather than one party being singled out for criticism. He emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation, expediting decision-making, and enhancing the efficiency of approval processes to ensure the project's timely completion.

The priority should be to reduce delays, accelerate implementation, and finalize the project for the benefit of the people of Sabah. Salleh urged all parties to concentrate on practical solutions and fulfill their respective duties to ensure the highway's efficient completion.