Abang Johari (right) takes a closer look at an artist’s impression of the proposed Wetland Waterfront. On his right is Dr Sim. — Photos by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will finance the proposed waterfront and wetland waterfront projects in Batu Kawa in full, if the federal government refuses to honour the commitment made by the previous administration.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the cost of the proposed project – approved before the 14th General Election at an estimated cost of RM10 million – was supposed to be shared equally by the federal and Sarawak governments.
“However, our partner in Barisan Nasional then lost to Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the general election, and this project is one of the many projects in Sarawak that the PH government has done away with.
“As the government of the day, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will fulfil its promise and therefore, I have approved RM5 million to implement the first phase, which is called the Batu Bawa Waterfront,” he said during the launch and earth-breaking of the project, here yesterday.
Abang Johari said the proposed Batu Kawa Wetland Waterfront, which is an extension of the Batu Kawa Waterfront project, will also cost RM5 million.
He said should the federal government decline to top up the RM5 million allocation that was approved by the previous administration, the Sarawak government would fund the project.
He noted that the proposed wetland waterfront, which is the second phase of the project, is expected to be implemented upon the completion of the current waterfront project.
The construction of Batu Kawa Waterfront has already commenced and is scheduled for completion on May 5 next year.

Abang Johari (second right), flanked by Dr Sim and Lo (left), launches the piling works at the project site.
The chief minister then jested that implementing the project would not result in Sarawak going bankrupt – a clear reference to remarks made by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng last week that the state risks bankruptcy in three years should it continue to be governed by GPS.
“We can do this project with our own money. I say this not to boast, but we have revenue and when we have revenue, we have to share with the people of Sarawak through the implementation of peoples’ projects like this.
“The Batu Kawa old town has some historical value and so we want to upgrade it and make it as a stop centre for tourists, who may cruise along the river from Siniawan Waterfront to here, and then Kuching Waterfront,” he said, adding Sarawak’s projected revenue for this year is expected to surpass the RM10 billion-mark.
Earlier, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the waterfront is going to be a landmark not just for Batu Kawa, but also Kuching.
He said this landmark will allow both locals and tourists to experience the river, villages and natural wetland in Kuching.
“Definitely, it will help (improve) the local economy,” he said.
Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also Padawan Municipal Council chairman, was also present at the launching.


BY RINTOS MAIL ON NEWS, SARAWAK