KOTA KINABALU (Mar 18): The section of Kimanis-Keningau road that was closed due to a landslip in the area is expected to be reopened by this weekend.

Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya after inspecting the site of landslip, said clearing work there is almost complete.

“Today, I am at Jalan Kimanis, Keningau, to inspect the landslide incident site, which involves two locations: at the 11.2 km and 14.3 km marks of Jalan Kimanis, Keningau. The clearing work of the landslide has been carried out and is almost complete.

“Based on the current work progress, I anticipate that the clearing and slope-cutting works at these affected areas can be completed within the next two to three days. However, this is subject to weather conditions this afternoon or evening,” said Shahelmey.

Speaking to reporters at the site, Shahelmey said there has been some light rain, but not heavy, allowing the clearing and repair work to proceed.

In addition to the clearing and slope formation works, the contractor will also install road barriers to ensure the safety of the road once it is ready to be reopened, he said.

According to him, at the 14 km mark, a temporary road has also been built, but is only suitable for the use of light vehicles.

“Therefore, I advise the public to wait for further notice from JKR Sabah regarding the reopening of this road,” he said.

Shahelmey added that he was quite satisfied with the work progress, considering that the road has been closed for almost 10 days.

Following heavy rains in interior Sabah, the section of the Keningau-Kimanis road was closed since the second landslip on March 7.

The popular road that cuts through the Crocker Range serves as the shortest route between the interior and Kota Kinabalu.