By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 12: An ambitious project to improve drainage around the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) was recently halted following calls to preserve the old Nurses’ Quarters building at the junction of Jalan Crookshank and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg opposite Sarawak General Hospital here.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government I (Public Health and. Housing) Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) issued a “stop work order” on the Sungai Sarawak Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) on Aug 7, 2024, after an appeal from Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) to preserve the old nurses’ quarters, a structure they regard as a significant heritage building.
The PLSB project includes the upgrading of drainage systems in the vicinity of SGH, Jalan Batu Lintang and Federal Government Quarters Kuching, as well as the clearing and construction of a water retention pond (also known as SUStoM pond) at the old nurses’ quarters.
“To address/to resolve this impasse, a multi-disciplinary/agency committee including the relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has been set up and is currently working on a win-win solution, so as to allow the project to proceed as planned, while at the same time maintaining the integrity as well as the heritage value of the old nurses’ quarters, in front of SGH,” Penguang said in response to a question from Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How during the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
On Aug 4, SHS in a statement, urged Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to intervene and halt the complete destruction of the nurses’ quarters which they viewed as an integral element of Sarawak’s heritage.
On the same day, Abang Johari confirmed that he received a letter from SHS calling for the building’s preservation. In response, he said the Sarawak government will look into the matter.
Meanwhile, on Aug 6, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, stated that the plan to demolish the historic Nurses’ Quarters should be put on hold while alternative proposals to mitigate flooding in the surrounding area are studied.
On Nov 7, SHS announced its intention to seek an audience with the Director of the DID Sarawak to discuss the preservation of the old Nurses’ Quarters building. — DayakDaily
