MPP proposes 3 urban renewal projects under 12MP
Lo (right) briefs Abang Johari (front, second left) on MPP’s urban renewal initiatives. Also seen are Dr Sim (front, left), Hii (behind Dr Sim) and Ahmad (third right). — Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has proposed a number of urban renewal initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
According to Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also the council’s chairman, these are urban renewal and rejuvenation works on Sungai Maong Bazaar at Mile 3, Kota Sentosa (bazaar) at Mile 7, and Kota Padawan (bazaar) at Mile 10.
“The urban renewal initiatives are important as they will rejuvenate these bazaars and their surrounding townships, making them more vibrant and economically sustainable with multiple catalytic effects.
“The vibrancy of a market reflects the healthy growth and prosperity of a town,” he said at MPP’s 24th anniversary celebration at Kota Padawan Mall carpark compound yesterday, where Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.
Adding on, Lo said the total estimated cost for the three urban renewal initiatives would reach RM82 million.
“The features of the proposed urban renewal works on Sungai Maong Bazaar, estimated to cost RM13 million, will include a new Sentosa Market with multi-level carpark Sentosa Town Square, overhead pedestrian bridge, urban park and riverside pedestrian walkway; whereas urban renewal or rejuvenation of Kota Sentosa will include a new market with multi-storey carpark, upgrading of Streetscape, traffic circulation, and reinstatement of night market estimated to cost RM44 million.
“For the urban renewal of Kota Padawan, this will include MPP Square, MPP Boulevard, MPP Day & Night Market, MPP Pitcher Plant and Ethnobotany Garden, and MPP Recreational Park, estimated to cost RM25 million,” he said.
Lo said MPP would continue to give emphasis on all approved development projects and ensure that the works would commence on the ground despite a three-month lag primarily due to the necessary enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“Last year, MPP implemented 130 projects and as at November 2020, the council had implemented 95 projects.
“Though the Covid-19 pandemic has indirectly hindered the council in its implementation of development projects, MPP would play its role in ensuring better infrastructure for the people by continuing to implement these projects,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lo also proposed for a larger office building for MPP to enable it to continue improving its services to the people.
“After 25 years of municipality and with rapid growth and development of MPP areas, our present office is now too small to accommodate our staff and assets,” he said.
Lo said the proposed new office building, located near Semenggoh Wildlife National Park, would have the concept of ‘an office in a park’, to blend well with and also reflect the abundant natural features of Padawan.
“The land surrounding our new MPP office would be a very well maintained park, to be enjoyed by the public.
“In line with the state government’s efforts to make Kuching and Padawan smart cities, the proposed office would also be a smart and environment-friendly building, equipped with the latest technology to track and monitor all services provided by the council,” he said, expressing hope that Abang Johari would consider MPP’s request for a new office building.
Also present were Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture permanent secretary Hii Chang Kee; Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datu Junaidi Reduan; Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; and MPP deputy chairman Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim.
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