By D’Drift Team
SIBU, July 6: It will be a herculean task to turn Bukit Assek which is notorious for flash floods and collapsed houses into an upscale area of expensive residences, luxurious commercial premises and scenic tourist destinations — an Amsterdam in Sarawak, as Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had put it recently.
Many may think that the idea will just remain a fantasy, especially for those who are familiar with the large area involved and the challenges posed by its peaty soil.
First-term Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng however, thinks otherwise, despite having full knowledge of the challenges the Sarawak government may have to face to redevelop the area. His optimism perhaps is based on the fact that Abang Johari has endorsed the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan.
The plan covers an area of 497 acres “from Sibu KPJ Specialist Hospital to Brooke Drive and Jalan Kampung Nyabor all the way to Jalan Lanang until Jalan Amoy, and go further in until Jalan Wong King Huo”. The plan will also include SMK Sacred Heart and Jalan Oya Polyclinic.
From Chieng’s description, one can basically deduce that it is the area bordered by Brooke Drive, Jalan Merdeka, Jalan Oya, Jalan Wong King Huo, Jalan Amoy and Jalan Kampung Nyabor. To the people of Sibu, the Bukit Assek issue is a long standing one, an elephant in the room.
It is thus not difficult to understand why the Sarawak government is most willing to look into and redevelop this area which is situated right in the middle of Sibu. Its existence is nothing but an eye sore.
If Sibu is to be developed into a modern city, this is the area which must be tackled first. There are no two ways about it. To transform Sibu, is to redevelop Bukit Assek area.
Bukit Assek is a place of historical significance as it houses Sibu’s first residential housing estate. Some housing units are standing still tall while many have collapsed. Many more are unfit to be occupied.
In terms of location, it is just one street away from the Sibu downtown. As such, it cannot be written off so simply.
Redevelopment is also inevitable due to the fact the area has become a place of many misfortunes — flash floods, collapsed houses, crimes, dengue and even fire, as Chieng had described it.
He said currently, the redevelopment project is still at the planning stage. The total allocation for the project has yet to be announced. However, what Chieng could share at this moment was that the project will involve huge funds and several phases of development.
With such a significant project in store for Sibu where engineers, skilled and unskilled labour as well as other professionals are needed, Chieng hopes to see the return of Sibu people to serve their home town.
He also encouraged young people to be involved in modern agriculture.
“Sibu is situated in the centre of Sarawak. In the south, there is the capital city of Kuching. On the north is Miri, which is very near to Brunei. Sibu’s position in the central region is an advantage which we must tap into.
“Surrounding Sibu, there is the vast hinterland of Matu, Bintagor, Sarikei, Song and even Kapit with Sibu at the centre. Sibu can be the centre of the food basket for Sarawak if our young people are to return and be actively involved in modern agriculture,” said Chieng when met by the media at a local hotel here yesterday. — DayakDaily
