KUCHING, Sept 29: The city’s five-kilometre riverfront stretch from Kuching Waterfront all the way up to Kampung No 5 at Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol near Satok here will be getting a much-needed facelift under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the upgrading and beautification works were among the efforts undertaken by the Sarawak government to spruce up the landscape along the Kuching Heritage Trail that offers a glimpse into the history, culture, beauty and energy of the city.
“Currently, we (the State government) are upgrading the iconic Sungai Bintangor Bridge (at Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol).
“The bridge, which is part of the tourist attractions along the Kuching Heritage Trail, is expected to be completed in three years,” he told reporters during a working visit to inspect the upgrading project of a new building for SK Merpati Jepang here today.
Under the 12MP, Abang Johari added, the government has decided to upgrade and regenerate the Kuching Waterfront all the way up along Jalan Datuk Ajibah Abol to Kampung No 3, 4 and 5 and the Satok Suspension Bridge.
“The reconstruction of the historical Satok Suspension Bridge was recently completed and it will be lit with decorative lights,” he said.
With plans to regenerate the riverbank stretch, he emphasised that it will be a big boost for the city’s image as a tourism destination and will allow visitors to enjoy the views and attractions that dot the city.
“We will have two beautiful bridges with one being the Darul Hana Bridge (the S-shaped pedestrian suspension bridge connecting the Kuching Waterfront and State Legislative Assembly) and the other, the Satok Suspension Bridge.
“With these attractions along the trail, it will encourage visitors and tourists to explore the city using the waterway,” he said.
As for the upgrading project of a new building for SK Merpati Jepang, Abang Johari explained that the construction was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions but it is now in progress with completion expected in April 2022.
“The new school block is needed to ensure a conducive learning and teaching environment for both students and teachers.
“The project is part of the development to upgrade the areas in Satok. There are two schools with a long history here namely SK Merpati Jepang and SK Rakyat at Jalan Haji Bolhassan which will also be extended,” he said.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, political secretary to Chief Minister Abdul Samat Gani, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Sarawak (PBB) Satok branch deputy chief Dato Ibrahim Baki and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak Regional manager Chang Kueh Chin were among those present.— DayakDaily
