KUCHING: The Kuching North City Hall plans to extend the Kuching Waterfront to make it the longest riverfront in the country.

Kuching North mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman said the extension from Sungai Bintangor to the Satok Bridge was part of a project to revitalise the Waterfront in line with aspirations to strengthen Kuching's identity as a world-class tourist destination.

"The project aims to upgrade and improve the design of the Kuching Waterfront to be more modern, visitor-friendly and attractive.

"The proposed extension will transform the Waterfront into a new landmark in the city's landscape," he said at the Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi here on Friday (Aug 1).

The Waterfront is a landscaped promenade about 1.5km long on the southern bank of the Sarawak River with scenic views of Fort Margherita, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex and the Astana across the river.

Hilmy said the Waterfront project was among several urban transformation initiatives to propel Kuching into an advanced and sustainable future.

He said other infrastructure projects included the upcoming autonomous rail transit (ART) station at Hikmah Exchange, the Sungai Bintangor Bridge to improve local road networks and the Sejingkat Bridge to connect the Sejingkat and Demak Laut industrial areas to Tanjung Bako.

"In addition, the 6.5km coastal road linking Bako and Buntal will provide a safe and efficient alternative route, while green infrastructure and recreational facilities will be developed at Samariang Pinggir for the benefit of the local community.

"With the implementation of these projects, not only will Kuching become more beautiful and modern, the quality of life will also improve for its people," he said.

Themed "Smart City of Unity, Embracing a Sustainable Future," Kuching City Day commemorates the elevation of Kuching to city status on Aug 1, 1988.

The celebration was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.

Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.