By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 23: A proposed glass bridge and the second phase of riverbank protection works at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa are set to transform the area into a continuous three-kilometre scenic riverside walkway connecting the village to Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, while strengthening efforts to combat riverbank erosion.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the future connection would not only provide residents and visitors with an attractive riverside promenade but also serve as a symbol of inclusivity by linking the predominantly Malay village communities along the river with the historic Chinese township of Batu Kawa.
“Once the glass bridge is built, Kampung Rantau Panjang riverbank protection will be connected to Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, creating about a 3km scenic walk and connecting the Malay villages to Batu Kawa Chinese old town,” he said in a post shared on his social media on Monday (June 22).
Dr Sim, who is also the Batu Kawa assemblyman, said he visited the site yesterday together with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak director Datu Ir Ts Ahmad Denny Ahmad Fauzi and the department’s team to assess the worsening riverbank erosion situation and discuss immediate mitigation measures.
He said DID would implement a temporary solution costing RM200,000 while awaiting the completion of surveys and designs for the permanent Phase 2 riverbank protection project.
“The second phase, involving another 500 metres of riverbank protection works comprising sections of 350 metres and 150 metres, is expected to be put up for open tender by the end of this year,” he said.
Highlighting the growing challenges posed by climate change, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted that many riverside villages across Sarawak are facing increasing risks of riverbank erosion and flooding due to significant changes in river water volume and flow patterns.
He also recounted the history of the first phase of the Kampung Rantau Panjang riverbank protection project.
“The initial 450-metre stretch was awarded through an open tender in 2019 at a cost of RM8.7 million before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the project later became a sick project due to a sharp rise in construction material costs during the pandemic.
“The project was subsequently retendered in 2022, with the lowest successful bid amounting to RM11.6 million (RM2.9 million higher than the original contract value). The works were eventually completed after 18 months in late 2023,” he added.
Dr Sim expressed appreciation to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for allocating a project ceiling of RM31 million for the remaining 500 metres of riverbank protection works scheduled for implementation in 2026.
He pointed out that escalating construction costs have significantly increased the financial burden of infrastructure projects.
According to his estimates, the entire 950-metre riverbank protection project would have cost about RM18.6 million if implemented as a single project in 2019, and around RM24.6 million in 2023. In contrast, the remaining 500 metres alone is projected to cost up to RM31 million in 2026.
Dr Sim added that ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, including conflicts in the Middle East, could potentially drive construction costs even higher and place additional pressure on the project budget ceiling.
Despite the rising costs, the investment is crucial to protect riverside communities, enhance public amenities and strengthen social cohesion through improved connectivity between communities in Batu Kawa. — DayakDaily
