An allocation of RM130 million has been approved to build a new road over Sungai Magandai, in Kota Marudu, that would benefit some 2,000 villagers.

The logging road, which is about 70 kilometres from town, when completed will link 20 nearby villages.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili in announcing this yesterday, said the Economic Planning Unit under the Prime Minister's Department had approved the allocation for Rolling Plan Two of the 11th Malaysia Plan through the Rural and Regional Development ministry.

"This newest development excites me as well because if there is anything that I want, it is for the people here to have a good stretch of road linking nearby kampungs in this area.

"Finally, the about 2,000 villagers who are mainly the Sonsogon sub-tribe of the Kadazandusun Kimaragan tribe, will be closer to town" he told villagers at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) 4th Borneo Crossroad programme.

Maximus said design works for the road project would begin immediately and construction was expected to start before the end of the year.

"This is a major project for the rural district and we believe will drastically change the economy and livelihood of the Sonsogon people.

"This shows that Barisan Nasional cares for the rural folks and is determined to improve their economic status. Only BN can bring such development to the people" he said.

Throughout the four-day programme involving 50 UMS undergraduates, academicians and staff led by deputy vice chancellor Professor Dr D Kamarudin D Mudin, they built a micro hydro, carried out free health and dental check-ups for villagers and gotong-royong.

Also present was Tandek assemblywoman Datuk Anita Baranting.