KUCHING, Aug 9: The Kampung Rantau Panjang’s riverbank retaining wall and beautification project in Batu Kawa has finally started construction work recently, after it was abandoned by the previous contractor.
This development was informed in a statement issued today.
The project is among the development plans under Phase 5 of the Batu Kawa Waterfront development project.
“The previous contractor, who was awarded the project by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) last year, had abandoned the project due to the rising cost of raw building materials.
“Following that, DID had to re-tender the project with a revised project cost from the previous RM7.8 million to RM11.3 million with the consideration of increasing building material prices, especially steel, and awarded it to Cityon Development Sdn Bhd,” the statement continued.
The new contract period is for 15 months, starting from March this year until May 2023.
The Kampung Rantau Panjang riverbank and the ongoing Batu Kawa waterfront construction, which are situated side by side, are among the development plans under Phase 5 of the Batu Kawa Waterfront development project.
“The project is part of Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian’s initiatives to develop and beautify the riverbank area.
“There will be a grass bridge to link Phase 4 and 5 areas. Once completed, it will solve the erosion issue there and create a recreational area for residents,” it added.
Dr Sim has carried out a number of development projects on Batu Kawa riverbank which includes Phase 1 involving a cost of RM880,000, followed by RM3.189 million for the second phase, RM5 million for the third phase, and RM2.8 million for the fourth phase, as well as RM10 million for another riverbank retaining wall project in Kampung Sina Budi Lama.
Kampong Rantau Panjang and the opposite Kampung Sina Budi Lama have both faced riverbank erosion issues for a long time and although several repairs works had been carried out, it still cannot solve the issue permanently.
Dr Sim has since visited the area several times and getting feedback from residents, suggestion from engineers and has obtained the special funding from the Sarawak government to tackle and solve the issue permanently.
“Dr Sim believes that once the riverbank retaining wall at the Kampung is completed, it will create safer recreational places for the residents with a beautified environment,” it emphasised. — DayakDaily
