DCCI wants more local players in highway construction

Salang (seated), flanked by Veronica and Winsel, shows a statement from DCCI
congratulating LBU for being appointed the PDP for the proposed Pan Borneo Highway
project. Standing from left are Terrence, Allan, Christopher, Peter and Albert.

KUCHING: The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) hopes that meaningful participation will be accorded to capable local contractors, in addition to the assurance of equal opportunity, in the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway.

Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, who is DCCI president, said that apart from involvement in the main works, there should be many smaller-scale related jobs under the RM15-billion Sarawak portion of the project where local contractors and consultants could take up.

He believed that qualified players, especially among DCCI members, should be given vast opportunity to be involved in this project such as the building of rest and recreational (R&R) stops, piping, drainage, installation of road markers, painting, terracing of hills and earthworks.

“DCCI, like all Sarawakians, would like to place on record our appreciation and gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for having approved the implementation of this mega project through the persuasion of our capable Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

“The decision to implement this project with government funds, in spite of the tight financial position, is noteworthy and DCCI is confident that LBU Sdn Bhd, as the project delivery partner (PDP) together with the stewardship of State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Morshidi Ghani would ensure equitable distribution of works to all interested and capable contractors in Sarawak.

“As a chamber, we want to see that involvement of local contractors and participation of our members would be meaningful,” Salang told a press conference at DCCI office here yesterday.

He said Najib, during a speech at the earth-breaking in Bintulu in April, had stressed that all jobs related to the construction of the highway would be given and undertaken by Sarawakian companies, especially in consultancy and construction works.

DCCI also lauded the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Pan Borneo Highway project in Putrajaya, which appointed LBU as PDP for the proposed 1,000km project in the state. The RM27-billion road should be ready by 2022.

The chamber saw that apart from greatly enhancing the standards of roads and transportation as well as shortening the travelling time between Sematan and Lawas, the improved road system would result in the opening of social economic activities, in addition to the establishment of numerous small and medium industries, which would improve the rural-urban linkage and potentially provide greater job opportunities for the rural folk.

DCCI hoped that though the implementation of the concept of inclusiveness, the Dayaks residing alonmg and around the Pan Borneo Highway would enjoy improved socio-economy and better quality of living.

The press conference was also attended by DCCI executive secretary Terence Temenggong Jayang and members involved in the construction industry including its treasurer-general Allan Keripin Nangkai, vice-presidents Dato Winsel Ahtos and Christopher Gira, supreme council members Peter Usang Sagan and Veronica Treasa Michael, as well as its work committee member Albert Jalin. -Borneo Post.