KUCHING, Oct 29: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has been told to provide covers for the drainage along Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street for safety of pedestrians.
State Reform Party (Start) president Lina Soo said the drains are covered along the Main Bazaar area at the Kuching Waterfront and extended to Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, but stop right at the Harmony Arch gateway into Carpenter Street.
She pointed out the need for the drainage to be covered at Carpenter Street adjoining Ewe Hai Street, as these streets are historical parts of Kuching sheltering four popular temples.
Soo added that there are many pubs and food joints that have opened up along the street, turning the area into a popular night spot for food and beverage not just for tourists but also the locals.
In addition, the venue is also popular during Mooncake season, when it is turned into a pedestrian mall for food and cultural festivities.
“I’m making the call to the council on behalf of the residents and shop operators living in the area.
“Covered drains not only make a street better but pedestrians’ safety must be a prime concern of the council, as uncovered drains are a potential hazard for unsuspecting visitors, where one can accidentally slip into the drain and break a bone,” Soo said in a statement.
She added: “The night lighting at Carpenter Street is dark and the Harmony Arch, which is the iconic gateway, needs to be lighted at night to look more beckoning and welcoming.”
On another issue of road safety, Soo urged Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to build an overhead pedestrian bridge linking Vivacity Megamall at Jalan Wan Alwi to the residential and commercial areas across.
She suggested that the very least, the council provides a pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights intersection.
Soo lamented the dangerous situation of pedestrians darting across the road amid heavy traffic going to the city and Tabuan Jaya.
She hoped the local councils would take pre-emptive measures to ensure road safety at all times. — DayakDaily
