By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 15: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has successfully completed long-awaited upgrades to the Bintawa Wet Market, two months ahead of schedule.
Originally slated for completion by Dec 15, the upgrade which began on Aug 15, has now been handed over to MBKS for the immediate use of hawkers.
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng praised the collaboration between the contractor, council members, and the hawkers for the swift completion.
“The job has already been completed, and you can see that once the handover is done, the hawkers can move in immediately.
“This was only possible because everyone worked together, with full cooperation from the hawkers, the contractor, the council, and all involved.
“That’s what we always emphasise—our priority is the welfare of the hawkers and others. Even when we’re carrying out upgrades, it’s done for their benefit,” he told reporters at the handover of Bintawa Wet Market today.
Additionally, Wee announced that no rent will be collected from hawkers until the end of 2024 (Dec 2024), maintaining a promise made at the start of the project.
“Before the project began in August, I promised the hawkers that we would waive all their permit fees, and that promise still holds, even though the project was completed ahead of schedule, and they are now moving into the area.
“We will not collect any rental fees from them until the end of this year, as promised. This is to give them time to adjust to their new environment,” he said.
The renovation project, with a total cost of approximately RM1.3 million, included an actual contract amount of RM989,000, with MBKS contributing an additional RM300,000.
The upgrades focused on essential improvements, including roof replacement, enhancements to the drainage system, and the upgrading of old electrical wiring.
Wee explained that the initiative was designed to offer hawkers a more comfortable and functional space, following 34 years without major renovations.
He also urged elected representatives to assist hawkers constructively rather than just pointing fingers, emphasising that the upgrades were designed for the benefit of the community.
With the project completed, the mayor called on the hawkers to take care of the upgraded facilities and prevent vandalism, ensuring the market remains a clean and vibrant space for the community.
Following the completion of the Bintawa Wet Market upgrade, the contractor is now focused on upgrading the adjacent hawker centre.
The project, also progressing ahead of schedule, is expected to be completed one month early. Upgrades include replacing wall and floor tiles and installing an extended wash area, funded separately by MBKS.
Also present was MBKS deputy mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili. — DayakDaily
