PENAMPANG: Three schools in Penampang will benefit from road upgrades in Buayan and Terian, with both projects progressing ahead of schedule, said Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The Penampang member of parliament said the improved roads would benefit SK Terian, SK Buayan and SK Longkogungan, located about 12km away, as well as about 3,000 residents in four villages.
“There are two schools in this area, namely SK Terian and SK Buayan.
“Another school is located about 12km from here, namely SK Longkogungan. This means three schools will benefit from these road facilities,” he said during a work visit.
Ewon said some villagers, teachers and students currently have to travel on foot because of poor road access.
The upgraded roads are also expected to support agricultural and tourism activities in Kampung Terian, Kampung Tiku, Kampung Buayan and Kampung Longkogungan.
A previous NST report highlighted how volunteers had to hike through dense forests to deliver aid to villages in the area.
The RM73.868 million Buayan road upgrade project is 76.64 per cent complete and is 45 days ahead of schedule, with completion expected in August 2027.
The RM99.395 million Terian road upgrade project is 57.83 per cent complete and is 58 days ahead of its revised schedule after being granted an extension of time until May 2028.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, thanked the Federal Government, Finance Ministry and Rural and Regional Development Ministry for funding and implementing the projects.