Miro Simuh
KUCHING: The long-awaited approval for the proposed upgrading and widening works on the Bau-Kuching Road is a huge relief to those using this stretch daily, says Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh.
In expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving and announcing the allocation for the project, Miro hopes upon completion of the works, the road would be less congested and it would be safer for the road users.
“I, on the behalf of the people in Serembu and Bau at large, thank the chief minister for looking into the real need and plight of the people in the area.
“I can say that this long-awaited request has finally been answered by the chief minister,” he said in a statement.
According to Miro, the proposed upgrading and widening works on Bau-Kuching Road would cover the Mile 7 junction up to the traffic-light intersection near Bau town.
He said the project should take off in 2021, after the designing and land acquisition had been settled.
During a Chinese New Year dinner at Siniawan Community Hall here recently, Abang Johari announced that RM100 million had been allocated for upgrading and widening works on the old Bau Road, spanning 20km.
The chief minister assured all that he would include the project under the 12th Malaysia Plan, slated for 2021.
“The road will be upgraded, widened and (it) will come complete with street-lighting,” Abang Johari was quoted as having said.
Miro also thanked Abang Johari for announcing the proposed Siniawan Heritage Town Waterfront development project.
He said the Siniawan Heritage Town Waterfront, upon its completion, would be another attraction set to boost the tourism industry his Serembu constituency.
“With the completion of this project, estimated at RM8.3 million, we could introduce a river cruise programme for tourists to cruise along the historical Sarawak River.
“This, I believe, would bring back the memories of the past, when this river was once a busy waterway for the miners in Bau and Lidah Tanah; it also recorded the first battle that James Brooke faced in Sarawak, against Datu Patinggi Ali,” added Miro.