MPP to see more development

Lo Khere Chiang MP Chairman, N13 Batu Kitang Assemblyman

KUCHING: There are plans afoot to develop more areas under the jurisdiction of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).

Its chairman, Lo Khere Chiang, said, “First and foremost, we have the Batu Kawa Wetlands Waterfront project, a 15 to 20-year major development, in five phases.”

“It is going to be an iconic landmark in Kuching when it is completed,” he disclosed at a press conference after a full council meeting at his office in Kota Padawan near
here yesterday.

Lo also pointed out that another park would be built along Jalan Batu Kawa.

“Clean environment, air and places for families to spend their time are the things our people are concerned about, and we are definitely looking into these.

“As you can see, we have improved the parks at the MJC New Township. These parks are also built for tourism purposes and we have a lot of tourism spots in the Padawan area.

“We will continue to work with the leaders of the communities to improve basic infrastructures and facilities so that when tourists are here, they will not only experience the comfort of modern, accessible infrastructure but also get to enjoy the nature that we have to offer,” he explained.

“I have always challenged the developers to try not to cut down the trees and flatten the ground but build the infrastructures around the nature that we have to offer as it is the most valuable asset that we have.

“Kuching folk will also be able to enjoy all these infrastructures, take their families for a picnic or a swim in the stream as these things are valuable, which money cannot buy,” he said.

“I think Padawan is the soul of a greater Kuching. We are going to do more of these things that the people want.”

Lo added that the private sector had been doing very well in terms of development in the area.

“We have not just shops but also commercial and residential developments coming up.

“Every year, we have about four to five per cent increase in terms of properties despite the economic recession, and I would say this is a healthy development,” he said.