KOTA KINABALU: Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin has asked the contractor to expedite clearing works around the vicinity of the Likas Sports Complex.

While happy with the upgrading and renovation of venues in the complex, the Minister was however very concerned with the massive debris that could hamper landscaping works to beautify the surrounding areas, especially within the contract areas.

Yahya accompanied by Sabah Sports Board general manager Herman Tiongsoh, his Deputy Permanent Secretary I Datuk Rosmadi Datu Sulai and the consultant, made an impromptu inspection of the Likas Sports Complex yesterday.

He visited the swimming and diving pools, Likas Stadium, multi-purpose hall, gymnasium, lawn bowl greens and was unhappy to see debris yet to be cleared and directed the contractor to do so immediately.

He also informed the contractor that he would make a similar surprise visit one week from now and hopes clearing and levelling works of those areas around the venues could be carried out by then.

Apart from that he also wants to see grass planted on the bare earth to avoid soggy and muddy conditions especially when it rains and reminded the contractor that the Ninth Malaysia Games (Sukma 2002) is not far away.

The Minister requested SSB to monitor the clearing works as he expects it to be done when he makes his next visit.