KUCHING: A housing development master plan is in the pipeline for Batu Kawah, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, while acknowledging that the constituency was growing rapidly.
“We have a master plan for Batu Kawah, and the development will be towards Bau, which is going to be another tourist destination and links to Lundu and Sematan.
“In other words, Batu Kawah will become an important road and thus there will be development that is housing projects which will be going towards those areas,” he said when officiating at the launch of Phase 1 and 2 of the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park on Monday.
He added the developments would be planned properly to link the whole area of Batu Kawah to become another satellite town in the city.
“With all the infrastructure, people will come to the area to invest and the property development will be developed in this particular area,” he said.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman also said that not only Batu Kawah is being developed but other parts of the state as well.
“So, development is everywhere. When we say it, we deliver.”
He pointed out that Batu Kawah has transformed so much and believed that it would benefit the locals.
“As phase one and two of the riverbank park have been completed, while phases three to five are still ongoing.
“But, for as long as GPS is still here, not only this (riverbank park), but other developments can continue to be carried out and for as long as the state is peaceful and has a stable government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Batu Kawah incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the riverbank park is not only an iconic landmark, but is a legacy project.
“Thanks to GPS under Abang Johari, more than RM300 million has been allocated to develop Batu Kawah.
“This is what it is. You vote for GPS, you will see the changes. You vote for Pakatan Harapan (PH), Democratic Action Party (DAP), you ‘tengok saja’ (just see only),” he said.
Commenting further on the park, he said it was supposed to be funded by both the state and federal governments but following the change of government in 2018, the federal government then withdrew the funding.
“Luckily we have Abang Johari who agreed to support this project. And for phase five of the park project, in view of the increase in construction material cost, Abang Johari has agreed to allocate an additional RM5 million to allow the project to continue,” he said.
The Phase 1 and 2 of the Batu Kawah Riverbank Park which was completed this year, cost RM8.8 million.
Dr Sim also said that Batu Kawah was still facing problems that needed to be solved such as the need for new roads and second Batu Kawah Bridge to reduce traffic jams and to speed up the ongoing flood mitigation project in Desa Wira.
“In Batu Kawah, unfortunately, the prices of houses have increased, thus there is a need for more affordable houses in the area to meet the needs and provide better living for extended families,” he said.
