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By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 17: The Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Phek Kong Temple Charitable Trust hopes to start its RM3.5 million Jetty Garden Park extension project this August.
Its executive director Lau Kai Huat who is in charge of the project said as the project is long overdue, the Charitable Trust will need to proceed with the project as soon as possible since the project cost has ballooned following a decade-long delay.
He told DayakDaily after a successful meeting with relevant departments including Sarawak Rivers Board, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, the Land and Survey Department and Sibu Municipal Council at the site today that the charitable trust will soon convene a meeting to iron out all details for the project to proceed.
“The two existing pontoons near Eng Ann Teng Tua Phek Kong Temple will be relocated to pave way for the extension of Jetty Garden Park.
“We are thankful to all relevant departments for their well-coordinated assistance as well as Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng who made it possible for us to restart the project,” said Lau.
The extension project was approved by the Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA) as early as 2010, with funds set aside for its implementation.
However, due to the two existing pontoons which overlaps with the extension project site, work has not been able to commence until now.
The extension is expected to provide a significant boost to Sibu’s tourism sector as the Eng Ann Teng Tua Phek Kong Temple is a popular destination for tourists and visitors, as well as for devotees to go to pray.
The extension would involve pavilions, a pier above the Rajang River and other planned structures, including an arch and other beautification features. — DayakDaily