Fort Margherita to house historical artefacts

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BRIEFING: Abang Johari (centre) speaks to journalists after touring the site. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Fort Margherita will be converted into a gallery for historical artefacts from the Brooke and British colonial eras.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state will receive help from the Brooke Foundation on the project.

“The Sarawak Museum Department will be working together with the Brooke Foundation, headed by Anthony Brooke’s grandson Jason Brooke, to turn this place into an icon for the city,” Abang Johari told reporters yesterday.

The 133-year-old building is currently undergoing an RM2 million restoration, which is expected to be completed next October.

Meanwhile Abang Johari said a 340-metre walkway connecting the villages of Boyan, Gersik and Sourabaya to Fort Margherita is expected to be completed in February.

It is part of upgrading work on the banks of the Sarawak River that are scheduled for completion in time for Visit Sarawak Year 2013, which begins next July.

Abang Johari, who visited the site of the partially-completed walkway yesterday, added that it is one of the beautification projects for Kuching funded by an RM5 million federal allocation.

He said landscaping will also be improved by planting more native trees and installing lights.

Meanwhile, Kampung Panglima Seman will also have a waterfront under a redevelopment project that will maintain the facade of a traditional Malay village.

“The entire riverfront here will be made into a more unique attraction,” said Abang Johari.