Kuala Lumpur: The Sungai Damit ‘crooked’ bridge in Tuaran will be demolished after a study found that the structure is unsafe for use.
Deputy Economy Minister Dato Hanifah Hajar Taib said a new bridge will be built in the same location to replace the bridge.
“The findings of the Independent Checker Engineer study appointed by the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) on February 28, 2022, found that the bridge structure was unsafe to use and recommended to be closed from public use.
“The Task Force Damit committee established in September 2022 then recommended that a new bridge be built in the same location after the existing bridge is demolished based on the justification of value for money, structural durability and user safety,” he said to a question from Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau regarding the status of the bridge at the Dewan Rakyat, here, Tuesday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Hanifah said his Ministry is aware and concerned about the need for this bridge for all residents in Tuaran town and surrounding villages.
“The Economy Ministry is committed to speeding up the necessary processes to ensure facilities are provided.
“In this case, any decision taken by the Economy Ministry regarding the direction of this bridge project will take into account the interests of the local people,” he said.
For the record, the Sungai Damit - Tuaran Town Bridge Construction Project was a project approved by the Federal Government on March 24, 2017, under the Second Rolling Plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) with an allocation of RM18 million.
This project was implemented by the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) and supervised by Sedia which at that time was under the Prime Minister’s Department (now under the Economy Ministry).
The construction of the bridge started on April 20, 2018, and was supposed to have been completed on October 19, 2019.
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