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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 24: Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) is crucial in providing alternative transportation and reducing traffic congestion in the Vivacity area, which is poised for substantial development and expansion in the coming years that will transform the area into much like Kuala Lumpur’s Mid Valley, while extending towards Samarahan.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said as Kuching and Samarahan will be integrated by 2030, the area along Jalan Wan Alwi towards Samarahan will be established as a special development area.
“With the developer of Vivacity set to implement several new projects that will bring greater development along Jalan Wan Alwi which will lead towards Jalan Chawan and Kuching By-pass, this area has the potential to evolve into a satellite city similar to Mid Valley in Kuala Lumpur.
“Coupled with the urban development plans for Kuching, this region is poised to become a rapidly developing satellite city extending towards Samarahan,” he told a press conference when visiting Vivacity Megamall today.
During the visit, the Premier was briefed by the developer of Vivacity Megamall on its new Vivacity 2 project which will see another shopping mall, Vivacity Hotel, Vivacity ART Station and The Nest project.
As such, Abang Johari stressed that careful and proper planning that takes into account all aspects of development will be crucial, including to alleviate congestion on the roads as the government has approved several projects including for Vivacity expansion and a new hostel facility in Swinburne University, which are expected to intensify traffic volume.
He noted that the developer has decided to acquire additional land in this area to expand the roads towards Vivacity. Furthermore, an ART station will be constructed to facilitate public access to the upcoming transportation system.
“Today, I am here to assess the traffic system in this area. With rapid development coming into this area, that’s why the ART system is important, considering that Samarahan already faces traffic issues,” he said.
Anticipating more residential areas to be built in Samarahan located near the Sarawak Heart Centre (SHC), Abang Johari added that this necessitates the diversion of traffic and comprehensive road planning.
“A new road is being built from the University Hospital to SHC, connecting with Tanjung Bako near Pending and the under-construction Sejingkat Bridge.
“Consequently, there will be multiple traffic diversions, making this area highly attractive to housing estate investors in Samarahan,” he said. — DayakDaily
