By Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 1: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) is planning to relocate the existing Orchid Garden from Jalan Astana and construct a new 16-hectare Flower Garden that will serve as a major public attraction with Singapore’s world-renowned Gardens by the Bay as a key design reference.
Announcing the plan during the 37th Kuching City Day celebration held at Pangkalan Sapi today, DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman emphasised that the ambitious project forms part of the council’s ongoing efforts to beautify public spaces and raise Kuching’s profile as a green, modern and globally competitive city.
He said the proposed Flower Garden will not only enhance accessibility for residents and visitors but also serve as an eco-tourism destination that celebrates biodiversity and horticultural excellence.
“To ensure that this development meets international standards, DBKU plans to engage experienced consultants, especially those involved in the Gardens by the Bay project in Singapore,” he said.
Hilmy said the Flower Garden project complements DBKU’s broader vision under its Strategic Plan 2030, which focuses on sustainability, inclusivity and smart city transformation.
“Our goal is to improve quality of life and ensure that Kuching North continues to develop as a low-carbon, livable city in line with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030),” he said.
He also highlighted other major initiatives, including the development of a 25-hectare Bamboo Gallery near Taman Perpaduan along Jalan Crookshank. The gallery will showcase green architecture, feature local bamboo species, and provide environmental education.
On the smart city front, he said DBKU has installed over 2,000 Smart Street Lighting units and deployed more than 300 CCTV cameras across Kuching North for more efficient city management and enhance public safety.
“Additionally, a new Smart Parking system will be rolled out by the end of the year to replace the decades-old scratch coupon system.
“As we celebrate Kuching City Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to a city that is not only rich in culture and heritage but also innovative, resilient and sustainable,” he added.
The Kuching City Day celebration commemorates the city’s official declaration in 1988 as the first city in Sarawak. This year’s event was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who represented Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng was also present.
Beyond honouring Kuching’s achievements, the celebration also aims to foster unity, civic pride, and appreciation for the collective role of all communities in building a peaceful, clean, and sustainable city. — DayakDaily
