PM expected to launch sixth work package for Pan Borneo highway next week

PAPAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak is expected to launch the sixth work package of the Pan Borneo Highway Project on Nov 18.
According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the work package involves a 19.1km stretch from Putatan to Inanam, costing about RM900 million.
"There are 17 work packages this year, of which five are being implemented and two more packages (including the sixth) have been approved by the Finance Ministry, while another 10 are in the tender phase and expected to be completed later this year," he said here today.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a briefing by Borneo Highway PDP Sdn Bhd (BHP) managing director Shahelmy Yahya to update on the fifth work package involving a 11.7km stretch from Papar to Donggongon.
Fadillah said he was satisfied with the progress of the fifth package. However, he hoped that certain land transfer issues could be resolved as soon as possible to ensure the smooth-running of the project.
He said the nine-month delay over the land transfer process did not critically affect the implementation of the fifth package as it comprised only 7% of the total land involved.
The Papar-Donggongon work package involves the upgrading of existing roads to a four-lane dual carriageway, including the construction of a new Sungai Simpudu bridge.
Construction began July 31 last year and is expected to be completed by Sept 15, 2019. — Bernama