KOTA KINABALU, Sept 9 – Despite being on leave for the expected birth of his child on Monday, Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick stepped in to ensure concerns raised by Kampung Kolopis residents over the Pan Borneo Highway project receive the government’s serious attention.
Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, brought the matter directly to Deputy Chief Minister cum Works Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, stressing that villagers would not be affected by the project’s additional scope.
He said clarification from the Public Works Department (PWD) regarding the construction of a vehicular box culvert in Kolopis was crucial to ease local anxieties.
“I appreciate YB Datuk Shahelmey and PWD for their willingness to provide explanations and discuss the issues raised by the villagers,” he said after the meeting in Kota Kinabalu.
According to Ewon, PWD and related agencies will be on the ground today (Tuesday) to mark the highway reserve and the actual project area, putting an end to misconceptions that residents’ houses would be demolished.
“No homes will be demolished. I want this to be made clear so that Kolopis residents can feel reassured and confident with the authorities’ explanation,” he said.
The visit was also joined by Kolopis villagers – Lofina, Nicholas and Johnny – who were given the opportunity to convey their concerns directly to government representatives.
