SIBU: Just as Rome was not built in one day, it will take a while for the Sarawak government to further develop Sibu, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sibu used to depend on timber as its primary economic activity, but since timber is no longer relevant now, the town has to find another economic activity such as tourism.
While on a visit to the Bukit Assek area, Abang Johari noticed that many houses faced water-related issues and were prone to flooding.
The untreated water also led to mosquito infestation, earning Sibu the label of a “bandar nyamuk” or mosquito-infested town.
“We looked towards Netherlands, Belgium, and Singapore as these cities have successfully dealt with water-related challenges. Others are more knowledgeable, and I learned from observing their approaches.
“Which means we have to restructure Sibu. If there is a lot of water, use the water. What’s wrong with us making a big lake and making a tunnel to manage water?
“’Jangan alang-alang’. If it (costs) billions, we will find billions, and that’s what I’m going to do with Sibu. The development will take beyond 2030 to 2035,” he said at a gathering with the Sibu community in conjunction with the State Development Coordination Committee Meeting here last night (Aug 6).
The Premier also stressed that the Bukit Assek redevelopment programme which will begin by the end of 2024, will transform the landscape of Sibu into a modern and clean town.
“Sibu will have its own character. The spillovers will span as far as Kapit and Sarikei. It (the town) will support each other,” he said.
He said the redevelopment will use government-injected funds, but the private sector must come along, as there will be an economic return on that investment.
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will find money. As long as we are in power, we will develop our state.
“The people’s support as well as a good relationship between policymakers and the policy implementers (civil service), is necessary to develop our country,” he said.
