KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will work with the State Chemistry Department to investigate the cause of the dead fish in the Reservoir Park pond yesterday.
When contacted yesterday, DBKU Mayor Datuk Abang Wahap Abang Julai revealed that joggers had informed the council about the dead fish in the pond.
He said at the moment, there was no official report of how many fish were dead in the pond.
“However, I have instructed my officer to liaise with the Chemistry Department Sarawak to find out the cause of the dead fish as soon as possible,” said Wahap.
The mayor also disclosed that DBKU would be doing some upgrading work at the park from April to May next year.
The work will involve clearing the mud, algae and stones in the pond.
He revealed that during the upgrading work, the fish in the pond would be transferred to an unspecified location for temporary keeping.
“We will also be improving the park’s facilities in three phases,” said Wahap.
“All this is part and parcel of the Unity Park Project announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“DBKU is the implementing agency. The project will start with a kick-off grant of RM10mil,” added the mayor.
Wahap explained that the first phase involved the upgrading and repair of existing facilities including cleaning up and beautifying the reservoir.
He said most of the work had been tendered out and would begin early next year.
“The other two phases will see the extension of the park to twice its size with the upgrading and refurbishment of the existing building into high end restaurants with a garden setting. These restaurants can be booked for functions such as garden weddings and there is also a general cafeteria for everyone.
“It will take about four years to complete the whole project,” added Wahap.
Known now as Taman Budaya, Reservoir Park was created in 1928, and based on government records, it is one of the only two parks built in the country at that time apart from the other one in Penang.
Covering about 15 hectares, Reservoir Park is the largest public garden in Kuching. It has a large lake and is perfect for those looking to get close to nature to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
During the colonial era, the park served as a fresh water reservoir with water supplied by the stream called “Sungai Kuching Ulu” but the stream no longer exists as it has been covered up by roads or development.
