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

Kota Kinabalu, Oct 16 — The Pan Borneo Sabah Highway Phase 1A project's delays cannot be pinned on a single entity, according to Chief Inspector of Projects Sabah, Datuk Seri Salleh Mohd Said Keruak. Technical, administrative, and financial hurdles are all playing a role in the project's slow progress, Salleh emphasized. The chief inspector clarified that placing all blame on the Sabah government is unfair, stressing the need for collaboration among all parties involved in the project.

More than 70% of the project's work involves upgrading existing Federal roads from two to four lanes, a task complicated by land acquisition, buildings, residential areas, and the relocation of utility infrastructure. Salleh highlighted changes to the original designs not fully aligned with actual site conditions as a significant factor in the delays.

Such modifications necessitate thorough scrutiny and coordination between consultants and technical experts appointed by the Works Ministry. The process was further complicated when these design changes led to additional costs, requiring technical assessments and financial approval from both the Works Ministry and the Finance Ministry.

Lengthy approval processes have also hindered the project's smooth implementation. To avoid such delays in the future, Salleh urged the Works Ministry and the Finance Ministry to establish a more streamlined and expeditious approval mechanism, particularly for variation orders and financial adjustments. He proposed that these mechanisms be integrated into the original contracts or formalized through supplementary agreements to streamline the approval of necessary changes.

Salleh stressed that the project demands shared responsibilities among the Federal and Sabah governments, consultants, contractors, and utility companies, each of which should be held accountable according to their respective authorities and responsibilities. He urged all parties to focus on practical solutions and fulfilling their respective roles to ensure the highway's timely completion for the benefit of the people of Sabah.