KUCHING: The Kuching Waterfront at the heart of the city here has been proposed to be extended to make it the longest riverfront in the country.
Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman said the extension of the Kuching Waterfront from Sungai Bintangor to Satok Bridge is part of the proposed Revitalisation of Kuching Waterfront project in line with the aspiration to strengthen Kuching City’s identity as a world-class tourist destination.
“The extension is expected to make our riverfront the longest and most beautiful in the country, with the potential to become a new iconic landmark in Kuching’s cityscape,” he said at the 37th Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi here, Friday (Aug 1).
Hilmy added that the project also aims to renew and enhance the design of the Kuching Waterfront area, making it visitor-friendly, more modern and attractive.
On a related note, he said the ongoing and upcoming development in the Kuching north area, includes the development of an Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) station in front of the Hikmah Exchange building, which will serve as one of the main stations under the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS) project.
“This station will act as a modern landmark and a key transport hub connecting ART movements across various locations in the city.”
In addition, he said the iconic Sungai Bintangor Bridge is expected to be declared open soon and will serve as a new strategic route, further strengthening the road network and stimulating local economic development.
“As for the Sejingkat Bridge, which connects the Sejingkat and Demak Laut industrial areas to Tanjung Bako, is one of the key infrastructures that plays a crucial role in improving traffic flow between industrial zones, supporting local economic growth and enhancing accessibility to the Sejingkat and Demak Laut industrial areas.”
On the construction of an 8.5-kilometre coastal road connecting Bako and Buntal, Hilmy said it will provide a faster, safer and more efficient alternative route between the two coastal areas, both known for tourism and fishing activities.
“In Samariang Pinggir, development plans also include the construction of green infrastructure and recreational facilities for the benefit of the local community, along with the implementation of the Blue Green Infrastructure (BGI) initiative, which is overseen by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA).”
He added that in the Damai Peninsular area, development is underway as part of the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation’s (SEDC) plan to transform the area into a premier tourism destination, of which will include the construction of a Marina Bay and various other attractions such as resort hotels.
“Meanwhile, in the Demak Laut Industrial Zone and Senari Port area, the Petra Green Technology Park, covering an area of 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres), is being planned as an advanced hub for green industry, high technology and sustainable development.
“It will also feature a high-end data centre powered by a 300MW solar farm integrated with a 600MW Battery Energy Storage System, with the project to provide comprehensive facilities to support data centre operations and green technology, in line with global sustainability goals and Sarawak’s commitment to green energy.”
Hilmy said with all these major projects, Kuching is set to become not only more beautiful and modern but will also see improved quality of life for its residents, while attracting more tourists and investors to Sarawak.
