The government is in the process of evaluating the most qualified contractor to implement upgrading works on the Kalabakan-Sepulut road, a distance of 145km, said political secretary to the Works Minister, Asari Ibrahim.
He said the upgrading works would start as soon as the evaluation process was completed.
“The cost is estimated at RM270 million,” he told reporters here today after officiating the Tawau Umno divisional meeting, representing the Umno Supreme Council member Shaziman Abu Mansor, who is also the Works Minister.
Asari said this when commenting on the request made by the Sabah Assistant Finance Minister, Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan, for the government to complete the project as it was being raised as an issue by the opposition.
According to Asari, as soon as a decision was made by the Finance Ministry, it would take 18 months to complete the project.
The Kalabakan-Sepulut road is the alternative land route from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu. Currently many road users from Tawau choose to take the Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu route in view of the unsatisfactory condition of the Kalabakan-Sepulut road.
Land travel from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu through Sandakan normally takes between 10 to 12 hours, which can be shortened by half with the full completion of the Kalabakan-Sepulut road.
– Bernama
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