KUCHING: Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang on Monday (Nov 1) handed over a Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) allocation of RM200,000 to a contractor, Syarikat Adeeb Nazran, for the construction of a wholesale centre site at Mile 6.
Lo, chairman of the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), said work on the two-month project would begin on Nov 4, It would involve site clearing and earth filling and primarily focus on levelling work.
“We are delighted and grateful that the long-awaited project will finally be realised,” he told reporters after witnessing the handover of the project to the contractor on Monday (Nov 1).
Lo revealed that the wholesale centre site was for wholesalers who used to sell on Gambier Street near the Kuching Waterfront before moving to the Stutong carpark and Aeroville where they faced great competition and challenges.
“This project is one hectare in size, and the dream is to build a complete market with parking facilities, offices and cold storages. But for now, I am going to assist them (Kuching and Samarahan wholesalers and distributors association) to level the ground first and then will do the rest gradually in stages,” he said.
Lo recalled he immediately brought up the issue faced by the wholesalers to the State Legislative Assembly when he first won his seat in 2016.
He added the land for the project was approved by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.
Lo said with the help of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, he had also received additional allocation through his RTP to further assist the association.
“Many thanks to the Sarawak government for making this dream a reality. Once the project is completed, we will have a variety of fish, meat, and vegetables for everyone. Those from Kuching are also welcomed here in Mile 6,” he said.
