SAMARAHAN – The goal of the historic Samarahan Boulevard development project is to turn the Samarahan Division into a centre for sustainable urban living and socioeconomic development.
The RM127 million project, which is 20 meters wide and 1.4 kilometres long, is anticipated to improve connectivity between Samarahan and Kuching, create jobs, and boost economic activity.
The Sarawak Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) System, which is presently being developed to improve regional transport networks, will be enhanced by the project.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on 17 January, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg emphasised the importance of balancing rapid development with recreational spaces.
He noted that urban planning in major cities worldwide prioritises green areas, citing Hyde Park in London and the public spaces surrounding the Eiffel Tower in Paris as examples.
“In developing an area, people also need places to relax. Without such spaces, stress will occur and this affects a person’s ability to use energy productively and think more clearly,” he said.
The Premier highlighted that Samarahan Boulevard will not only serve as a centre for commerce but also as a recreational attraction for the wider community.
More than 1,000 acres of land close to the boulevard have been set aside for green development by the Sarawak government through the Land and Survey Department in order to support this vision.
A variety of tree species will be planted in this area to provide fresh air and areas for outdoor activities, jogging, and leisure.
He further stressed that infrastructure projects in Sarawak must meet world-class standards to ensure the state’s competitiveness on the global stage. “If we want a state that is developed and globally competitive, the infrastructure developed must also be first-class,” he remarked.
A key component of the division’s future development landscape is the Samarahan Boulevard project. The initiative reflects Sarawak’s larger goal of becoming recognised internationally as a developed region by fusing economic advancement with environmental sustainability and community well-being.
It is anticipated that the boulevard will spur development, draw in investment, raise living standards, and strengthen Samarahan’s position as a major player in Sarawak’s long-term development plan.
