SIBU: The Sibu Urban Renewal Committee wants the state government to redevelop Bukit Assek into a friendly modern neighbourhood.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy president II Datuk Chieng Buong Toon said this in his welcoming speech during the SUPP Sibu Chinese New Year gathering held at the Civic Centre here on Saturday.
“Bukit Assek is the oldest residential area in Sibu. And if you look at the situation now, you can see many houses in this area are sinking and the area gets flooded every time it rains.
“The houses are collapsing, the roads and drains are sinking and the water-logged areas have become the breeding grounds of aedes mosquitoes,” he said.
He said although Sibu Municipal Council had repeatedly repaired the infrastructure there to overcome these problems, the problems were never solved.
“The only solution now is for Bukit Assek area to be redeveloped.
“I believe that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg can fulfill this wish of the Bukit Assek residents,” he added.
Chieng commended Abang Johari for approving the expansion of the Old Oya Road to a four-lane carriageway to ease traffic congestion and also compensating the affected land owners.
Chieng, who is also SUPP Bukit Assek branch chairman, hoped the state government would set up a youth centre for young people in Sibu.
“We hope that the youth here will have a place for sports, recreation and collaboration under one roof,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, SUPP president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Education, Science and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee and Sibu Resident Charles Siaw were among those present.
