Dr Sim and Lo (standing, fifth and seventh left, respectively) join the top participants of a fishing competition in a group photo. Ahmad is standing at third left.
KUCHING: The Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved RM5 million for the construction of riverbank protection at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa.
According to him, the project is crucial due to the soil erosion that occurs there, causing the riverbank to fall off.
“Technically, it (works) will start as soon as the designs and everything else have been done,” said Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian when met by reporters after performing the closing ceremony for ‘Kampung Rantau Panjang Community Programme’ yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawa assemblyman, said the project was part of the Wetland Waterfront Park development, with its first two phases currently under construction at a cost of around RM8.8 million.
He said these two phases should reach completion by April next year.
“The federal government is considering the construction of Phase III on the other side of the river.
“Since we plan to construct the riverbank protection at this village, from here we will build a park (along the riverbank) and a bridge to connect it to Phase III,” he added.
As such, Dr Sim pointed out that the villagers could walk or cycle along the riverside all the way to Batu Kawa Old Town.
The project was previously committed by the government under the previous administration of Barisan Nasional (BN), but following the change in the federal government after the 14th general election last year, it had been plagued with uncertainties.
In June last year, Abang Johari pledged to continue the project, wherein RM5 million was allocated for the first phase.
Meanwhile in his comment about the community programme, Dr Sim said it was meant for people of all races – a way to unite Sarawakians.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman, and MPP deputy chairman Dato Ahmad Ibrahim were also present.