Dr Sim (centre) listens to a briefing from Ahmad Denney (second right) during a site visit to inspect riverbank erosion at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa. – Photo via Facebook/Dr Sim Kui Hian

KUCHING (June 23): The planned glass bridge at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Batu Kawa is set to become a key connector linking completed and future riverbank development works along the area, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said the bridge would form part of a wider effort to integrate riverfront infrastructure, including the Kampung Rantau Panjang riverbank protection works and the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, eventually creating a continuous scenic walkway of about three kilometres.

“Once the glass bridge is built, Kampung Rantau Panjang riverbank protection will be connected to the Batu Kawa Riverbank Park, creating a scenic walkway of about three kilometres.

“The project will also connect the Malay kampung to the Chinese old town area of Batu Kawa, promoting inclusivity and nation-building,” he said in a Facebook post following a site visit on Monday.

Dr Sim said consultants and surveyors are currently finalising the design for the second phase of the riverbank protection project, which is expected to be opened for tender by the end of this year.

He added that temporary mitigation works worth RM200,000 will be carried out immediately to address riverbank erosion at Kampung Rantau Panjang while long-term protection measures are being prepared.

The Batu Kawa assemblyman said the measures were agreed upon following the site visit by Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi and his team.

Dr Sim noted that the first phase of the riverbank protection project, covering 450 metres, was initially awarded through an open tender in 2019 at a cost of about RM8.7 million.

However, he said the project faced delays due to a sharp increase in construction material costs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The project was subsequently re-tendered in 2022, with the lowest bid amounting to RM11.6 million, before being completed in late 2023 after 18 months of construction,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving a project ceiling of RM31 million for the remaining 500 metres of riverbank protection works, comprising stretches of 350 metres and 150 metres.

Dr Sim said escalating construction costs had significantly increased the overall cost of riverbank protection projects compared with estimates made before and during the pandemic period.