Lo (second left) hands over the mock cheque to Father Don Don. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (May 4): Parking constraints at St Ann Catholic Church in Kota Padawan are being addressed through phased development following the allocation of Rural Transformation Project (RTP) funds, said Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang.
Recalling his visit two years ago during the church’s Feast Day celebration, he said the need for additional parking facilities was first raised by parish priest Reverend Father Don Don Ramerez.
“During that time, Father Don Don highlighted the lack of parking space for the church especially during major religious celebrations,” he told reporters after handing over a mock cheque to the church on Monday.
Lo noted that while the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) has played a key role in funding the construction of the church building, including its quarters and classrooms, infrastructure works such as parking facilities fall under the responsibility of elected representatives.
“We must thank Unifor for providing funds to build the church and its facilities.
“However, infrastructure works are not covered, and that is where it becomes our responsibility as assemblymen.
Lo said he had secured RM200,000 in RTP funds over the past two years to develop a car park right behind the SJK Chung Hua Mile 10 school to support the church’s needs.
In addition, a further RM100,000 has recently been allocated for parking improvements within the church compound.
“During major occasions such as Christmas, Good Friday, Feast Day and other festive celebrations, the available parking is not sufficient,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to Unifor and the state government, Lo credited the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for enabling such community-focused initiatives.
“I would like to thank Unifor for the buildings and also the state government under the leadership of the Premier, who has provided all the assemblymen with RM5 million worth of projects for the benefit of our people.
“St Ann Catholic Church is one of the beneficiaries,” he said.
Lo added that the overall parking development will be carried out in stages due to funding requirements.
“At present, there are 94 parking lots within the church compound and about 200 in total including outside areas.
“The internal car park is completed, but for the external area, we need about half a million ringgit more.
“We will likely divide the project into two phases. The current allocation is specifically for additional parking within the church compound,” Lo added.
Meanwhile, Father Don Don highlighted the scale of attendance during major church events, underscoring the urgency of expanding parking capacity.
“Just imagine, for Sunday Mass and Easter celebrations, we can have between 5,000 to 6,000 cars for a single mass, especially during big celebrations.
“On regular Sundays, we see about 2,000 cars for each mass,” he said.
Handout photo shows an existing parking area within St Ann Catholic Church compound. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
He added that the church also has 14 Sunday school classrooms funded by Unifor, reflecting its active role in the community.
On behalf of the church, Father Don Don invited the public to attend the upcoming Gawai-Kaamatan celebration from May 15 to 17.
“We have 27 parishioners from Kampung Padawan involved and we welcome everyone to come and witness the celebration.
“The event will be at 8am on May 16,” he added.
Father Don Don said the main celebration will take place at the longhouse behind the church, which is currently being prepared, featuring cultural performances, traditional food and showcases representing various ethnic communities, including the Bidayuh, Iban and Melanau.
Also present at the mock cheque handing over ceremony was Sarawak United Peoples Party Mile 10 branch chairman Lim Liang Kee, Penghulu Lim Eng Huat and Padawan Municipal Council Councilor Gerald Goh.
