LABUAN: The RM38 million waterfront project here is proceeding as planned, going by the drawing displayed at the Labuan Corporation (LC) booth during the recent Borneo Arts Festival.
It showed the route of the project stretching from the old market to Victoria harbour beach.
According to LC, the Bill of Quantity (Q) was being prepared in KL, on when ready tenders would be called.
The new icon of Labuan was expected to enhance Labuan and boost tourism and economy.
Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Datuk Dahlif Singh said: “Its good to have more attractions in Labuan but must offer something special.”He noted that KK and Kuching waterfronts were vibrant due to local population and tourist support. “Labuan does not have these instant boosters but without something special Labuan waterfront risks becoming a pale shadow and ending up in the list of white elephants.”Dahlif agreed that the project be replaced with a modern Convention centre as the island needed one that holds better promise of economic gains to the island.
He recalled that the FT Minister was Datuk Seri Raja Nong Che Zainal Abidin (2019- 2013 ) and the Sabah Oil and Gas was held at the financial centre as the facilities were inadequate and shifted to KK not long ago.
Dahlif lamented there was no complete consultations with local NGOs on the major project with everything decided in KL. There were some who felt the fund could be better utilised by improving existing facilities.
Under Phase 2 of the project the focus would from Nagalang coastline to complement the phase one. This stretch will be on eco tourism and recreation development it will extend o connect with the waterfront in town. The total estimate of the full projects was expected to be around RM100 million.
