Bridge over Sarawak River to link twin cities proposed

By SHARON LING 

No ordinary cat: Taib (second right) launching Kuching Festival on Wednesday night. Looking on from left are Kuching North mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, the Chief Minister’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib and Kuching South mayor James Chan. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

KUCHING: The state government is proposing to build a pedestrian bridge across the Sarawak River as a way to further integrate Kuching North and South.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said he had asked the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) to invite Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to undertake the task of constructing the bridge.

“I have proposed a foot and bicycle bridge to be built across the river. The river is not a division but a special beauty shared by both Kuching North and Kuching South.

“I would like to see people walking across the bridge with bicycle lanes on it. We can even have little snack bars and stalls on the bridge so that people can stop and enjoy an ice cream on the bridge,” he said at the commemoration of City Day and opening of the Kuching Festival on Wednesday night.

Now open: Taib can be seen on the left launching a firework display to mark the opening of the Kuching Festival.

Taib said the bridge was one of several plans which he had in mind to increase recreational and community facilities in the city.

He said another project was the Family Park in Pasir Panjang, which was expected to be ready in five years’ time.

“A road has been built to the area. I want to make sure that Kuching will have better access to the seaside,” he said.

He added that the government was looking into the prospect of linking Pasir Panjang to Santubong via cable car.

“This is under study at the moment. I believe this project can get off the ground and be profitable because of the commercial and residential development in the area.

“So I am examining it to see how we can create another attraction at the seaside,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said he was considering a new business centre for the state capital to cater for international companies attracted by the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

He said proper planning was needed so that people would not have to go all over across town to conduct their business.

“Our future is very promising with SCORE because many international firms will come here five to 10 years from now.

“We should prepare for that eventuality by planning a new business district for their convenience,” he said.- thestar