KUCHING – Work on the Sarawak Astana Building Upgrade Project is now 70% completed and is proceeding as planned. The project is expected to be completed before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival this year.
Senior Private Secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, YBhg. Dato’ Sri Haji Syed Hamzah bin Syed Paie, went on a visit to the construction site yesterday to review the progress. He was flanked by senior JKR, MIPD officers and the Governor’s Office staff.
It was attended by Ts Haji Mohammad Saifrol bin Sheikh Naimullah, Senior Principal Assistant Director at JKR; Dilsyadry bin Hanri, Architect at JKR; and Encik Azahar bin Nubli, Engineer at MIPD.
They were also accompanied by other consultants and engineers who worked on the project, a testament to the teamwork that has gone into its modernisation.
While inspecting the site, Dato’ Sri Syed Hamzah was presented with a comprehensive presentation on the extent of works and progress, in addition to safety guidelines undertaken at the construction. Meetings were convened to make sure every autonomous part of the puzzle, scheduled for completion was on track.
The upgrading was part of the ongoing preservation and modernisation of the iconic Astana, a historic building that was once the official residence of Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak.
The projects vary between structural upgrades, safety improvements and new modern facilities to facilitate the continued use of the building as a working courthouse for both ceremonial and administrative purposes.
Officials confirmed that professional standards and the safety of construction workers will not be compromised during the project. The visit also functioned as a readiness to implement assessment of the team in relation to achieving the desired outcomes.
The Astana, situated on the north bank of Sarawak River, has always been a reflection of the power and history of Sarawak. It was constructed during the 19th century and has been restored by various investors in order to maintain its cultural as well as architectural importance.
The latest update is considered a continuation of these efforts, maintaining the building’s use and integrity but with respect to its original form.
Scheduled to be completed in time for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, this project promises an updated and modernised facility that would be fitting for Sarawak’s tradition of conserving its heritage within a landscape of progress. Based on the current pace, it looks like the team will meet the deadline for this project.
