KUCHING: The 32.77-km Telok Melano-Sematan stretch of the Pan Borneo road project, which was completed on Jan 4, will be officially opened to the public on Jan 26.
It would be made accessible to motorists after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officially opened it at 2pm although the event is scheduled to begin at 9am.
The ceremony will be held at Sungai Kilong Roundabout in Sematan, and Works Minister Baru Bian is also expected to be present.
Based on the tentative programme, Johari is expected to arrive at 10am followed by speeches and a symbolic launch. The programme will continue with a presentation of a “Two-Million Safe Man-hours Safety Award” at the site; announcement of Pan Borneo Sarawak Best Contractor Award for the months of Jan-June 2018 and July–Dec, 2018.
There will also be a special presentation by Samling Resources, the contractor for the Telok Melano-Sematan stretch to SK Paon Temaga in Lundu which has been identified as one of the dilapidated schools in the area.
Later, representatives of the village heads in Kampung Telok Melano and Sematan will present souvenirs to Johari and Baru followed by a “flag-off” of the Guest of Honour’s visit to Telok Melano followed by a visit to the 0Km site of the Pan Borneo Sarawak Highway.
It is learnt that, Samling Resources overcame many challenges in completing the road. Weather was the biggest factor while others included the topography of the area and soil condition.
Despite the challenges, the company managed to complete the stretch ahead of time. The stretch goes through Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many protected animals, flora and fauna.
