State Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to take a new approach by repairing any damaged main road immediately without delay.

He said it is necessary for PWD (Federal or State) to take the initiative to carry out immediate repairs without being told.

He said this when visiting the slope surface at Km 251.60, Jalan Sandakan-Tawau, here. Also present were State Assistant Minister Datuk Jimmy Wong, Assistant Infrastructure Development Minister cum Sebatik Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Muis Picho, Balung Assemblyman Datuk Osman Jamal, PWD Tawau engineer Mohd Hardy Bin Laidin @ Saidin and management officers of Lintasan Resources Sdn Bhd (contractor).

"This slope surface was damaged two years ago and the repair work is in progress after the contractor was appointed in April. The project, worth about RM9.3 million, is expected to be completed in 2020."

"If any such problem related to the main roads arise again, I hope the PWD will not wait any longer to fix it prior to the allocation claims."

"Instead, they can put stones on the damaged road as a temporary measure to enable the motorists to drive through."

"If it happens in Kuala Lumpur, it will take about two to three months to complete. Why can't it be done in Sabah?" he asked.

On the proposed water dam project at Gudang Empat here, Peter said it has been warmly debated in the State Legislative Assembly and Tawau will be given priority in solving the water supply problem.

"The water problem in Tawau, Semporna and Banggi is very critical, especially during the dry season," he said.

He believed the multipurpose water dam project would be implemented soon and would solve the water problems in Tawau once completed.