MIRI, May 16: The Miri Public Swimming Pool, a community staple since 1985, is set to undergo its first major renovation in nearly four decades.
This significant upgrade was announced by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, during a site visit on Thursday.
“After a long delay for upgrading or refurbishment since its establishment in 1985, the pool has not seen any major upgrading or replacement of the pump and its surroundings in 39 years,” said Ting.
The swimming pool, which has been closed to the public since March 25, 2022, is scheduled to reopen with a series of comprehensive refurbishments across three major projects.
The first project involves the replacement of the pool’s water filtration system, funded by the Sarawak government with an allocation of RM500,000.
The tender for this work has been issued, and assessments are expected by September 2024, with the entire project slated for completion in six months, aiming for early 2025.
Ting expressed hope that the evaluation period could be shortened to two months instead of three.
Additionally, RM500,000 from the federal government will be allocated for improvement works under Phase 1.
These include the relocation of utility services, the installation of warning signages, and the demolition of certain structures. These improvements will be executed under a single contract.
“The Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, with Permanent Secretary Moshidi Frederick overseeing the project, will manage these upgrades,” Ting confirmed.
A third proposed project focuses on retrofitting and covering outdoor learning areas (COLA) at the swimming pool, with an estimated cost of RM4,064,000.
An additional RM1 million will be allocated to improve the surrounding area, bringing the total for this phase to RM5,064,000. The funding has already been secured and the tender process completed, ensuring the project’s commencement, Ting said.
“These three refurbishment projects will proceed concurrently, and despite involving different consultants, they will be closely coordinated,” Ting emphasised.
The completion of the initial phase, as well as the third project, is anticipated by the first quarter of 2025.
The comprehensive refurbishment aims to enhance the facility significantly, providing the community with a modern and well-equipped swimming pool once again. — DayakDaily
