RM4 BILLION FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIRS STILL NOT ENOUGH

Sabah still needs extra RM10b for new roads

RANAU, 15th September, 2009: Sabah is still in need of an additional RM10 billion to upgrade and construct new roads, said Rural Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Ebin.

He said although the federal government had approved RM4 billion for road construction and repairs in Sabah and Sarawak, the amount is far from sufficient.

“This is still not enough to meet the demand”, he said while acknowledging however that both the state and federal governments are committed in wanting to meet the people’s needs.

Speaking during a meeting with villagers of Kg Mansalu and Kg Tundagon here yesterday, Ewon stressed the need for better roads in the state for they form the basic channel for other types of development to be distributed particularly in the rural areas.

Also present were Ranau MP Datuk Siringan Gubat, Kundasang assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunsalam as well as state and federal government officers.

Earlier, Siringan approved an allocation of 50 chairs to Kg Mansalu community hall. The leaders also presented two pesticide sprayers and a grass-cutter each to the villages.