PAN BORNEO HIGHWAY PROJECT CAUSES FLOODS: SENATOR JOHN AMBROSE (News from Sabah)

Senator Datuk John Ambrose present food bags to families affected by Covid19 Lockdown or MCO,  while District Officer Henry Idol of Penampang assisted.

 PENAMPANG- 18 JULY 2021

Senator Datuk John Ambrose claimed since the Pan Borneo project was launched, many houses are affected by floods due the drains being too small, for example Kg Maang to Siga roundabout. He said this after presenting food bags due Covid19 Movement Control Order, at Dewan Gawir Madsiang here.

He will discuss with the Drainage and Irrigation Department JPT, to enlarge all the Parit Juta including one near the Police Station which is yet to be completed, and will also meet with the new lady JKR District Engineer for Penampang.

Meanwhile Pan Borneo project still have plenty of land compensation yet to be paid and this may have caused the delay because they cannot go through houses that are not given compensations yet, he said. " I would also look into enlarging the Moyog River via deepening, widening and straightening", he said.

Regarding the Kibabaig road which is always flooded during rain, John said he is not sure why the drainage project was not completed and 75% of the allocation had been released. He will get help from Datuk Bung, the Minister of Works to help release the rest fo the funds.

John also said he is against Kaiduan Dam and will make an appointment to meet Datuk Bung who had promised to build more reservoir in all districts. "He has to listen to the voice of the people as we have 10 thousand who voted for us here. Just because we did not win any seat does not mean we dont listen to the voice of Penampang", he said.

He said just because he disagree with the dam does not mean he is against the GRS government.

"There should be a complete study first, solve the non-revenue water NRW, build more small reservoirs and look into the advice of Dr Felix Tongkul who is very good in environment" he said.

The minister in charge of JKR must look into all aspect, not just ask engineers who don't know anything about environment, he said.

"We must look for people who has knowledge on how to preserve the environment and natural resources. Once a dam is built, the natural beauty of the river will be destroyed. I have been to Kaiduan twice and the beauty of the river can be tapped for tourism", he said adding there are many ways to get and save water.

Regarding the stalled Donggongon Roof Project,  John said it was approved during the previous Warisan government using the Council's fund. He cannot say much as he did not approved it apart from knowing it cost about 2 million.

"In my opinion, It should be continued as it is good for the people. I heard the sub-contractor is going to continue the job, otherwise it will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, adding more woes during this Covid period" he said.

A total of 16,716 recipients of the food bag aids were identified who are badly affected by the MCO including those in quarantine and they will be distributed through all available government channels until 26 February. "Only a representative of 20 people were handed their bags this morning" John concluded.

Present in the event were District Officer Henry Idol and newly appointed Community Development Leader Joe Suleiman.

 

 

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