Soo stands in front of the Harmony Arch at Carpenter Street.

KUCHING: State Reform Party Sarawak (STAR) calls upon Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to accord due attention to the drains along Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street here, by providing covers to enhance pedestrians’ safety.

The drains are covered along the Main Bazaar, which extends to Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, but stopped at the Harmony Arch of Carpenter Street.

According to STAR president Lina Soo, pedestrians’ safety should be a concern for DBKU as uncovered drains are potential hazard that could lead to serious injuries.

“Residents and shop-owners have also requested for the drains to be better-covered. Covered drains make better streets and are safer for the pedestrians,” Soo said in a statement received here yesterday.

Carpenter Street and Ewe Hai Street are historical parts of Kuching City, with its four popular temples.

It is also the venue of the annual Mooncake Festival celebration when the streets are turned into a massive pedestrian mall offering food and cultural festivities to visitors.

Many pubs and eateries are also found along the streets, and have the potential to attract tourists and locals alike.

Soo also observed that Carpenter Street was often dark at night, and requested that the Harmony Arch be lit up to make it look more beckoning.

On road safety, Soo suggested that an overhead pedestrian bridge be built linking Vivacity Megamall and Lorong Wan Alwi, or a pedestrian crossing at the traffic-light intersection.

She hoped that the local council would take measures to ensure safety of all at all times, as ‘prevention would be better than cure’.