SIBU: Sibu’s long-term redevelopment will draw from Amsterdam’s urban planning model to address geographical challenges and support its future development.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sibu’s geographical setting shared similarities with Amsterdam, making the Dutch capital a useful reference for the town’s future planning.
“In the Netherlands, Amsterdam is below sea level. In Sibu, the river level is high, but the town is lower. We have to learn how to develop Sibu using a new planning structure.
“Deep in my heart, it has always been my dream. I have said this before. I want Sibu to be like Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
“We have to restructure Sibu. In terms of urban planning, we have to restructure it. It requires substantial capital. But the investment will come from the government and the private sector. We will plan it,” he said when officiating the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ (SKS) Programme here today (Jul 11).
Earlier, Abang Johari visited the Bukit Lima Nature Reserve and said the proposed infrastructure there would complement plans for the redevelopment of Bukit Assek.
“If we develop the infrastructure there, it is not far from what we want to develop at Bukit Assek,” he said.
He said the State Planning Authority (SPA) had, in principle, approved the Bukit Assek redevelopment proposal, with the next step being its implementation.
According to him, developing a new urban area of such scale would take no less than 15 years.
“Perhaps I may not be around to see it completed. But the development will continue through the experts, engineers and planners from Sibu,” he said.
Abang Johari said the redevelopment would create “a new economic pattern” for Sibu while ensuring environmental sustainability remained part of its future development.
He said the transformation required a government with a clear vision to plan for the future and create new economic opportunities for the town.
