Samarahan Boulevard: Phase 1 works progressing well, tender for Phase 2 to be out soon, says minister
by Marilyn Ten · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Sept 22): The tender for Phase 2 of the Samarahan Boulevard project is expected to be called this year, said State Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), as the implementing agency, should soon call for the tender following the near completion of the project’s Phase 1.
“Phase Two will cost approximately RM70 million, if I am not mistaken,” the Asajaya assemblyman told a press conference after chairing the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) steering committee’s second meeting for the year at a hotel here.
Abdul Karim said works under Phase 1, with an estimated cost of RM25 million, were progressing well despite a slight delay, adding that they should reach completion soon.
He also said the overall Samarahan Boulevard project was estimated to cost RM127 million.
“We will see a very beautiful boulevard where we can hold major events and help ease congestion in Kuching.
“The Central Padang or Padang Merdeka is getting congested. Every time an event is held there, the whole of Kuching (city) becomes jammed.
“So now we plan to move these events to our own boulevard,” said the state minister.
He added that the Samarahan Boulevard concept was similar to major public squares in other countries such as China’s Tiananmen Square or Iran’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan – all meant to provide spaces for recreation and large-scale events.
On the Tambirat Waterfront, Abdul Karim said Phase 2 of the project would cover the entire Kampung Tambirat Waterfront, stretching about 1km.
“Our Premier has agreed for Phase 2 to proceed, the project is expected to be put out to tender once the implementing arrangements are finalised.
“The cost of the project will also be quite substantial. It will definitely be more than RM100 million,” he pointed out.
On Phase 1, Abdul Karim said efforts would be made to salvage the project after part of the structure collapsed before its scheduled completion in 2024.
“The matter is now subject to legal proceedings.”
Also present at the meeting were federal Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, and Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Sarawak Datuk Aidel Lariwoo.