Fountain project above board
KUCHING: The Darul Hana Musical Fountain project was implemented through ‘design and build’ concept and complied with the Standard Operating Procedure of Kuching North City Council and Regulations 221 Part VII Local Authorities Financial Regulations 1997.
“The project cost was tabled and had gone through the Special Cost Committee chaired by the State Financial Secretary,” said Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talip Zulpilip.
He also said the contract scope comprised two years maintenance and its cost and five years design guarantee.
“The project was so complex and needed specialised expertise.
“The fountain operates using the latest technology with 100 metres wide pontoon and 372 special nozzles with 60 metres of central spray fountain capability and 25-metre cascade fountain.
“It is also equipped with unique features with nine metres high water wall and 80 metres long water fountain background.
“Water reservoirs on the walls are designed with special tiles, giving a natural touch to this fountain,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) yesterday.
In addition, the fountain is also equipped with a water screen for visual audio shows, he said.
He added the project involved the construction of a walkway waterfront, computerised control room, electric sub-station, lighting system as well as sound and landscape decoration.
“Construction of musical fountains is costly. For example, Songs of the Sea musical fountain at Siloso Beach Sentosa Island in Singapore started operation on March 26, 2007 costing about RM91 million (equivalent to Singapore dollars 30 million) while Dubai Fountain built in 2009 cost RM910 million (equivalent to USD218 million).
“These are the construction costs and technologies used 10 years ago, now the cost is much bigger,” he said.
He added: “Surprisingly, Pending assemblywoman (Violet Yong) claimed this fountain project can be completed at a cost of RM5 million if implemented through open tender.
“If Pending assemblywoman is so confident she can complete the project according to the specification of Darul Hana Musical Water Fountain at a cost of RM5 million, then she is welcome to do so.
“The state government is willing to share the design with Pending assemblywoman to implement a musical fountain project at a cost of RM5 million,” he said.