By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 31: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is set to embark on a comprehensive upgrade of all hawker centres and community markets under its jurisdiction, with the aim of improving public facilities and safety.
Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng announced that all faulty and broken industrial fans at the Stutong Market will be replaced, while the lighting upgrade there is nearing completion.
Similar improvements are in the pipeline for other major markets and hawker centres including Petanak, Song Kheng Hai, Kenyalang Park, Jubilee Ground, Kenyalang Food Centre, Upper Foochow Road Market, Pending Seafood, Pending Jetty, Hui Sing, and Batu Lintang.
“All faulty lighting, ceiling fans, and industrial fans in these locations will be changed,” he shared during his weekly ShallWeeTalk Facebook live session today.
Wee emphasised that these upgrades are part of MBKS’ commitment to improve the comfort and hygiene of public facilities for both traders and the public.
Specifically for Petanak Market, a new toilet will be constructed on the ground floor. The facility will be equipped with elderly- and handicapped-friendly features in line with MBKS’ ageing community initiative.
“So give us a little bit of time as there are processes to go through including budgeting and tender,” he explained.
Several other infrastructure projects have also been approved, including repairs of pedestrian walkways and drainage along Jalan Kedandi 2 as well as the back alley of Chawan 14 and Lorong Foochow 1Q.
Touching on drainage issues, Wee also reminded homeowners not to tile over council-owned driveways, particularly over drains in front of their homes.
He noted that while some residents take pride in beautifying their surroundings, such modifications often hinder public works.
“When we go in to repair or upgrade drainage, these tiles will be removed and the driveway will be restored to its original state. Homeowners cannot refuse the upgrade as it would affect the drainage system in the entire residential area,” he said.
Wee urged homeowners to seek council permission before making any external renovations, warning that unauthorised extensions will be removed if they obstruct public upgrades.
In addition, the toilet facility near the iconic Kuching White Cat statue — a popular tourist photo spot — will also be upgraded, along with beautification of the surrounding garden.
These upgrading works are scheduled to commence between mid- and end of June, pending final endorsement.
“We note all the complaints and needs of the people. Rest assured, your voices are heard and attended to based on urgency. But we need time to plan thoroughly and to seek more funding and allocation to enable implementation,” Wee assured. — DayakDaily
