BAU: St Stephen’s Parish Church has undergone a RM1 million upgrade after overcrowding and rising temperatures made the growing congregation increasingly uncomfortable.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the project, funded through the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), had installed a full air-conditioning system alongside major electrical and building improvement works.
He said the Mother Church now accommodates at least 800 worshippers during regular Sunday services, with attendance surging even higher during festive celebrations.
“Most Sundays the church is full. During festive seasons, it is always packed because Bau’s population is growing,” he told reporters during the commissioning and testing of the new air-conditioning system.
Tasik Biru assemblyman attributed the increasing congregation to rapid housing development and Bau’s growing appeal as an affordable residential town.
“With the Pan Borneo Highway, Bau is only about 20 minutes from Batu Kawa. Many families are buying homes here because property remains more affordable than in Kuching,” he said.
He added that the expanding population made it timely to modernise St Stephen’s Parish, noting that air-conditioning had become a basic necessity for major churches.
“Even many village churches now have air-conditioning. It is high time our Mother Church is upgraded for the comfort of worshippers,” he said.
Besides the cooling system, the RM1 million project includes upgrading the power supply, replacing the main switchboards, repairing roof leakages, repainting the ceiling and carrying out other refurbishment works.
Henry thanked Sarawak Energy (SESCO), the Public Works Department (JKR) and the contractor for completing the installation and ensuring the system was ready for testing.
“With the air-conditioners operating, you can immediately feel the difference in comfort,” he said, while expressing appreciation to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for the funding.
Meanwhile, Henry said another RM2 million GKCDA allocation is being used to make the Bau Civic Centre more accessible through the installation of an escalator and a service lift.
He said the Dewan Suarah had long lacked facilities for persons with disabilities and posed difficulties in transporting food, goods and equipment during community functions.
“The foundation work has been completed. The escalator and lift have been ordered from China and are now on the way. Once they arrive, they will be assembled,” he said.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the upgraded civic centre targeted to open for public use by Christmas or, at the latest, before Chinese New Year next year.
Bau District Officer Eddy Nayoi, GKCDA special administrative officer Datuk Ik Pahon Jotik, JKR mechanical engineer Winston Gerang, a senior priest at St Stephen’s Parish Rev Fr Augustine Jepy were also present.
