The Borneo Post

‘JKR to study project, cost to stop Tusan cliff erosion’

- By Philip Kiew reporters@theborneop­ost.com

MIRI: The Public Works Department (JKR) will study the requiremen­ts and come up with cost estimation for a project to mitigate soil erosion at the Tusan cliff here.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin said this project would be separate from the current project to upgrade infrastruc­ture and facilities at Tusan Beach.

Lee disclosed this after a site inspection of the RM6- million upgrading project which included land acquisitio­n and consultanc­y costs.

“JKR will make a study and come up with a design as soon as possible and it will be a separate project as the erosion here is quite serious,” he said.

On the infrastruc­ture upgrading, he called on the contractor to give priority to the constructi­on of the staircase and wave breakers to stop further destructio­n.

The site has been handed over to the contractor and work will kick off next week for the addition of a food court, observatio­n tower, safety rails, foot path for hikers and other back-to-nature facilities.

Upon completion in February 2020, the project will make the beach more attractive with various facilities for local visitors and tourists.

JKR will make a study and come up with a design as soon as possible and it will be a separate project as the erosion here is quite serious. Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Tusan Beach attracted widespread attention after photos of the ‘Blue Tears’ natural phenomenon appeared on social media in 2015 and the authoritie­s are looking forward to greater tourism spin- offs.

On the RM3.6- million Bakam point project about 20km out of the city centre, Lee said it was progressin­g very well.

“It is about 70 per cent completed but additional works would be required to solve the river erosion and the consultant will put up a proposal,” he added.

The project includes a 30m jetty, 16 lock- up shops, 20 fishermen stalls and one food and drink outlet.

The project is expected to be completed by August this year.

Miri Resident’s Office is the implementi­ng agency under supervisio­n by JKR.

 ??  ?? Lee points to the Tusan cliff which is in serious stage of erosion.
Lee points to the Tusan cliff which is in serious stage of erosion.

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