By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 21: Waterfronts along the Darul Hana Bridge up to the Satok Suspension Bridge will be upgraded to enliven Kuching city, especially to increase its appeal within the tourism sector.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said construction is ongoing for the Kampung Sungai Bedil-Kampung Lintang waterfront while the second phase would involve the Kampung Lintang-Kampung Tupong Tengah waterfront.
He also revealed the third and fourth phases would involve the upgrading of the waterfront near Satok Bridge up to Kampung No 3.
“We will give a facelift to the waterfronts between Darul Hana up to Satok Bridge and beautify them with street lighting. Once completed, people can utilise these facilities for cycling or exercise activities.
“From then onwards, people will be able to cruise (with a better experience on the river). They will be able to witness the livelihood of Kuching residents and untangle the history of Kuching in becoming an attractive city,” he said when officiating at the reopening of the Satok Suspension Bridge which has been upgraded with decorative lights at the site tonight.
Abang Johari who is also the Satok incumbent further said the origins of the Satok Suspension Bridge dates back to the Brooke administration in 1917 when its construction was delayed.
“During Vyner Brooke’s administration, construction started on the bridge in 1920 and was completed in 1926. After nine decades, the old cables finally snapped and the Bridge was closed to the general public in 2004.
“In light of this situation, the Sarawak government decided to reconstruct the bridge for the next generations to understand the history of Kuching’s development,” he said.
The 213 metre-long Satok Suspension Bridge was rebuilt by the State government on 2017.
Amongst those present tonight were the Chief Minister’s wife Datuk Amar Jumaani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Senior Minister of Works-cum-Petra Jaya MP Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Infrastructure and Port Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi. — DayakDaily
