KUCHING: The road upgrading project from Kuching to Santubong, aimed at transforming the area into a gateway for tourism and research, is expected to be completed within three years.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the project will be rolled out in three stages from Wisma Adenan to the Santubong Bridge, the building of a second bridge, and the stretch from the bridge to Damai.
“My colleagues in the Sarawak Cabinet and I have been studying the way forward, what future steps can further strengthen what we are officiating today.
“One of them is that we want to upgrade the Santubong road. At present, Santubong road is a single carriageway.
“So, we want to expand it into a dual carriageway, just like the Pan Borneo Highway between Kuching and Santubong.
“So I ask everyone to be patient with the construction works,” he said at the officiating ceremony of Santubong Archaeological Park (SAP) and Wallace Centre at Sungai Jaong Gallery, Santubong today.
He said the three phases may be carried out simultaneously and the entire project is expected to take about three years to complete.
“This means the area will become more structured and will serve as a centre for tourists and researchers to explore the history and cultural civilisation found in Sarawak,” he said.
He also said that Sarawak is now in the last mile of efforts to have Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGP) elevated to a UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp).
“We are already at the final stage of the bidding process, and the current position is that we are just waiting for confirmation from UNESCO. This means Santubong will be part of the UNESCO network.
“So, with UNESCO’s recognition, it will attract international interest to see what exists in this area,” he said.
