KUCHING: The completion of the waterfront project in the vicinity of the historical Batu Kawa town will make it as another tourist attraction here.
The first phase of the RM10 million project has already commenced early April this year and expected to be completed in 18 months.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Batu Kawa waterfront would be another stop for boat rides following the completion of the Siniawan waterfront.
“Both Siniawan and Batu Kawa have strong historical value and are heritage areas. Therefore, locals and tourists can take the boat from Kuching waterfront, stop at Batu Kawa waterfront, and go all the way up to Siniawan waterfront, and return to Kuching city by road,” he said during the launch of the Batu Kawa Wetland Waterfront project yesterday.
Abang Johari said with the waterfront’s completion, this would boost the economy of the town.
“This project is actually a shared project between the previous federal government and state government. But our partner (Barisan Nasional) lost in the election.
“And the present federal government cannot deliver their promise, they take it back, including this waterfront project. But for us (Sarawak government), promise is a promise, so we use own funds to beautify this area,” he stressed.
He further said the old heritage town must be upgraded, and with the availability of the natural wetland, it would be able to boost the ecotourism in the area.
“With the implementation of five per cent sales tax on petroleum products, Sarawak government has additional revenue to continue providing infrastructure and development in the state,” he said, adding that Sarawak would not go bankrupt in three years as alleged by the Finance Minister.
Meanwhile, Local Government and Housing Minister Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian thanked the chief minister for another allocation on top of the RM5mil to ensure Phase 1 and Phase 2 become a reality.
“This is not only another landmark for Batu Kawa, but also for Kuching area,” he said.
Sim, who is also the Batu Kawa assemblyman, said the completion of the project would able to provide more business opportunities for the locals.
According to a press release, Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost RM3.9 mln while Phase 2 is projected to cost RM3.8 mln.
Earlier, the event also saw the presentation of a mock cheque for RM300,000 from the state government to SJKC Chung Hua Stapok rebuilding committee chairman Sim Yian Chai.
Present also was Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang.
