By Karen Bong
SIBU, May 14: The construction of the long-awaited extension of the Jetty Garden Park near the Sibu Eng Teng Ann Teng Tua Phek Kong Temple is finally materialising after more than ten years since the plan was first put forward.
Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Phek Kong Temple Charitable Trust executive director Lau Kai Hua, who is in charge of the extension project, delivered the good news as Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) has agreed to relocate two existing pontoons near the temple to give way for the extension project.
“The meeting ended positively with all problems smoothly ironed out and resolved.
“The management (of the pontoon wharf) has agreed to relocate the facility. We will visit and check the new site near Kapit Wharf on May 17,” he told DayakDaily today.
If there is no problem upon evaluation and assessment of the new site, Lau pointed out that relocation works will proceed, and thereon, works for the extension project could also start.
“We are very thankful to (Bukit Assek assemblyman) Joseph Chieng for assisting us in overcoming the various problems,” he added.
This came following a meeting yesterday (May 13) between the Charitable Trust and related agencies, including SRB, Land and Survey Department and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), which Chieng chaired.
Meanwhile, the extension project had been approved by the Sarawak Planning Authority (SPA) as early as 2010, with funds set aside for the implementation.
However, due to the two existing pontoons where the site overlaps with the extension project, work has not been able to commence.
The project has been long overdue, while multiple efforts and calls have been made to SRB to quickly move the pontoons concerned to give way for the extension project. But it was met with deadlock until now.
The extension is seen as a significant boost to Sibu’s tourism as the Eng Ann Teng Tua Phek Kong Temple is one of the focal points for tourists and visitors while others would go to pray.
The extension would involve pavilions, a pier above that part of the Rajang River and other planned structures, including an arch and other beautification features. — DayakDaily
