By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 10: The project to establish a river transport system connecting Kuching Waterfront to Sinawan Heritage Town is expected to be completed by 2027, with the study on the navigation of Sarawak River presently in the final stage.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Maritime and Riverine) Dato Henry Harry Jinep emphasised that the study is projected to be completed at the end of the second quarter of this year.
“The important aspects of the study are the identification of safe navigation channel, dangerous shallow spots in the river, locations of interest for visitors, as well as identifying suitable locations for jetties along the stretch from Kuching Waterfront to Siniawan Town,” he informed the august House during the question-and-answer session at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He was responding to Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh’s query on the immediate plan for the proposed Sarawak River project subsequent to a study conducted by a consultant.
However, Harry pointed out that the implementation of the entire project is subject to funding approval under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Previously, it was reported that the project would facilitate a boat ride or river cruise from the Kuching Waterfront to the Siniawan Waterfront, which would pass under the Satok Bridge and the Tan Sri Sulaiman Daud Bridge, to boost domestic tourism activities in the region.
Along this route, locals and tourists can relish the scenic beauty and delve into Siniawan town, which still preserves its original, rustic wooden townhouses, which is reminiscent of a typical American ‘cowboy town’. — DayakDaily
