KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has issued a  stern directive for the State Public Works Department (PWD) to resolve the damaged  road issues throughout Sabah proactively. 

"We must be proactive. If need be, order the concessionaires to repair damages  immediately. We must always think about the people's needs. Without action, the  government and PWD will continue to get backlash from the rakyat.” He said. 

The Chief Minister said this during his working visit to the Works Ministry at the PWD  Building in Sembulan today. 

He said monitoring is crucial on the part of the officers, whether this involves federal or  state roads. 

"Pay attention to the people's grievances. There are regular complaints. So I want the  State PWD not to wait but find immediate solution to the problems," said Hajiji. 

On the issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Sabah, the Chief Minister said the State  Government will get independent investigators to find the source of the 60 per cent NRW,  adding that water theft cases are rampant in Sabah.  

On the Ministry's workforce shortage, the Chief Minister directed State Secretary Datuk  Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong to look into the matter. 

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister III/Works Ministry Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said his  Ministry will continue to step up efforts to resolve issues through various initiatives,” he  said. 

Present were Deputy Chief Minister II/Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk  Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister III/Works Minister Datuk  Shahelmey Yahya, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, Rural  Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister  Datuk Ariffin Arif, Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoon  Jin Zhe, Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib,  assistant ministers and Works Ministry senior officers. 

Ends