An artist’s impression of the seven-storey carpark.
KAPIT: Works will soon begin for the construction of a seven-storey carpark here.
The RM10-million project, scheduled to be completed within 15 months, will have 146 parking bays, two lifts, and a hawker centre on the top floor.
“I know Kapit town is jammed with vehicles. There are not enough parking bays for the vehicles. I hope this multi-storey carpark will take away some of the vehicles from the road to ease the flow of traffic,” Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said yesterday when officiating at the site handing-over for the carpark project.
Masing said the carpark is among the RM30 million in development projects announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit here last year.
Kapit District Council chairman Philimon Nuing (fourth right) hands over documents to carpark project contractor James Bilong. From sixth left are Jamit, Masing, and Nyabong.
“In the next 20 years, Kapit town will change. It will change for the better. Please be patient as it takes time to develop. RM12 million redevelopment of the Lily Pond – once a Kapit icon, RM5 million Kapit Waterfront Esplanade, and RM3 million redevelopment of the town square.
“Also in the plans are the pedestrian paths in and around Kapit town and a bus terminal,” he said.
He pointed out that in the next three years, Kapit would be connected to the rest of the state upon the completion of the Kapit-Song-Kanowit Road.
“Buses and big trucks would come in but we must not allow the buses or big trucks to come in. We must construct the bus terminal two or three kilometres away from town at Bletih. From Bletih to Kapit Town, another mode of transport – passenger vans – will pick up the passengers from the bus terminal to town.
“We want to move the vehicles away from town. Kapit is to be a pedestrian-friendly town but before that happens, I urge the local authorities and government agencies to work on constructing the pedestrian paths in and around Kapit town. I know it is not easy but if we work together, we will allow that to happen in future,” he said.
Masing also suggested the town’s future development be moved to the other side of the river.
“The government will plan but the landowners and private sector must take a lead to start developments.
“I have agreed to a bridge across Kapit town. I urge the private sector to take the lead to develop the other side of Kapit,” he said.
Among those present were Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang.