Include Tambunan-Ranau Road in mid-term review of 9MP

TAMBUNAN, March 26 (New Sabah Times) -- Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan wants the federal government to include the Tambunan-Ranau Road in the priority list of projects in the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

He said the additional allocation was necessary as it was the main road connecting Tambunan and Ranau but was in bad need of repair.

Furthermore the road was an alternative North-South and East Coast-Interior route that could expedite travel and hence help to speed up the movement of tourists during Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

A section of the road at Kilometre 24 collapsed at about 3.30pm on Saturday leaving behind a chasm of some 13 metres deep.

It was opened to traffic at 12pm sharp yesterday after an alternative path measuring 20 feet was created to allow access to road users.

“I am happy that everyone worked hard and fast so the public can get through this road again,” said Pairin when he visited the scene yesterday.

Also present were Tambunan district officer, Thomas Angor, district engineer, Freddy Kimbun and PBS assistant secretary general, Daniel Kinsik.

Freddy said the incident happened as a result of persistent heavy rain and added that a full report would be submitted to the Public Works Department headquarters for further action.