SIBU: The upgraded Bukit Lima Swimming Pool at Jalan Stadium here, with a covered facility or Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA), is expected to be a catalyst for the development of aquatic sports and major community facilities in the Central Region.
Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC) CEO Khairul Nizam Morshidi said the construction was aimed at ensuring that the swimming pool could be used throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
“The main objective of this project is to provide a swimming and diving training centre for the Central Zone of Sarawak, in addition to providing more comfortable and safe facilities for users,” he said at the handover ceremony of the pool from SSC to the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) on Tuesday (Jan 27).
Khairul Nizam said the handover of management to SMC was a strategic step to ensure that the facility was managed and maintained effectively for long-term use.
“Good management is very important to ensure the safety and comfort of users. With the involvement of SMC, this pool can be fully utilised by state athletes and the local community.”
Meanwhile, SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh said the project started on Nov 15, 2023 and was supposed to be completed in May 2024, but several implementation issues have prevented it from being opened to the public.
He said that for the time being, the swimming pool is only used by the Sarawak Amateur Swimming Association (SASA) for daily training sessions.
He added that SMC will carry out additional maintenance work, including replacing the children’s pool tiles, upgrading the changing rooms and toilets as well as other improvements before it is fully opened to the public.
“SMC is committed to ensuring that the Bukit Lima Swimming Pool is in the best condition and ready to be used in the near future to support a healthy lifestyle and sports development at the grassroots level.”
