KUCHING, Aug 4: The Sarawak Heritage Society (SHS) has made a heartfelt appeal to the Sarawak government to preserve the cherished Nurses’ Quarters located at the junction of Jalan Crookshank and Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, opposite the Sarawak General Hospital. This plea highlights the historical and cultural significance of the site, urging authorities to reconsider plans for its demolition.
SHS’s Urgent Appeal to the Government
In an official statement released today, SHS announced that it has formally approached the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, seeking his immediate intervention to halt the planned destruction of the nurses’ quarters. The society views this building as a vital part of Sarawak’s heritage.
A Call from SHS President Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu
During the SHS annual general meeting (AGM) held yesterday (Aug 3), SHS President Datin Rosemarie Wong-Jabu emphasized the ongoing efforts by SHS and the citizens of Kuching to protect the nurses’ quarters, a campaign that began in 2019. Wong-Jabu passionately addressed the society members, underscoring the historical and cultural value embedded in the building.
“SHS is aware that there is a plan to repurpose the nurses’ quarters site for the service of the greater Kuching community; as a water retention pond to aid in flood mitigation for the vicinity, the area of Sarawak’s General Hospital, and that the nurses’ quarters building on that site will be fully demolished to meet this objective,” she stated.
The Historical Significance of the Nurses’ Quarters
Wong-Jabu highlighted that the nurses’ quarters building is still structurally sound and retains its elegance along a major road junction in Kuching. Despite the lack of ground maintenance, the building continues to showcase its historical beauty and significance.
“It is SHS’s humble opinion that the front element of the nurses’ quarters building can well be preserved as it is still structurally sound, stands elegantly along a main road junction of Kuching, and that despite the lack of ground maintenance, upholds her beauty with rich historical values in her own special way, as demonstrated in the paper shared with the Premier, and his esteemed colleague Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development),” she added.
Balancing Heritage Preservation with Flood Mitigation
While SHS acknowledges the necessity of addressing flood mitigation, it firmly believes that the essential heritage elements of the nurses’ quarters should be retained. Wong-Jabu proposed that the site could be upgraded for elegance and potential commercial use, such as accommodation for visiting tennis competitors and hospital patient visitors, or even a small museum to recognize the contribution of the nursing community to Sarawak society.
Practical Solutions for Flood Protection
Wong-Jabu assured that the preserved nurses’ quarters could be effectively protected from flooding. This assurance is based on core recommendations shared with the Premier, demonstrating practical solutions that balance both heritage preservation and flood mitigation needs.
“As it relates to the flood mitigation project, the retained nurses’ quarters can very easily be protected from flooding, as portrayed in the core recommendations shared with the Premier,” she said.
Conclusion
The plea from the Sarawak Heritage Society underscores a critical juncture where heritage conservation and modern infrastructure development must find a harmonious balance. The historical Nurses’ Quarters in Kuching stand as a testament to the city’s rich cultural legacy, and preserving it would honor the community’s past while serving future generations. The decision now rests with the Sarawak government, whose actions will determine the fate of this historical landmark.