SABAH PWD DIRECTOR JOHN ANTHONY ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT THE CHONG THAIN VUN ROAD IN TAWAU WOULD BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.

In another development, Sabah PWD Director John Anthony assured the public that the Chong Thain Vun Road in Tawau would be completed in six months.

According to him, upgrading of the 1.5km stretch, which is also known as Jalan Sin Onn Tiku, was delayed because of land issues.

The landowner affected refused to let the contractor go into the land, despite acquisition under Section 4 and 5 of the Land Ordinance.

"We have to follow the law. We have written to the contractor on the advice of the Land and Survey Department informing him that he has permission to enter the site. We expect the issue to be resolved in the near future."

The upgrading of the road commenced on Dec 19, 2007 and was originally scheduled to be completed on April 18, 2009.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh on Tuesday highlighted the delay and gave an ultimatum to the contractor to finish the job within three months, failing which he would raise the matter in Parliament.

John also said some utilities are also involved along the stretch such as water and telephone services.

"We would still have to ask the agencies concerned to shift before construction work continues," he said.