KUCHING: A joint venture between PPES Works (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and Naim Land Sdn Bhd as the contractors, along with the Sarawak State Government and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) as the clients saw a major milestone in the construction of the Golden Anniversary Bridge Project yesterday with the successful joining of the last segments of the steel walkway at the Sarawak River Waterfront, connecting Kuching North City and South City, a press release stated yesterday.
The bridge is a welcome sight for Sarawakians, adding to the growing list of iconic landmarks the city has to offer, and one that involves the State’s historic river waterfront and adjoining areas.
The Golden Anniversary Bridge Project was awarded on 20 December 2013 on a Turnkey (design and build) basis to PPES Works (Sarawak) and Naim Land JV and is scheduled for completion before the end of 2017. Once completed, this unique curved 330m long pedestrian bridge will be supported by cables from two 45-metre tall and 48 degree outward angled steel towers topped out with stylised hornbills.
In addition, two covered viewing platforms will provide pedestrians with a resting spot, complete with panoramic views across the city’s heritage focal points. As well as being both functional and convenient, the bridge will provide easy-access for residents, commuters and tourists from Kuching Waterfront at the Southern Bank to the Dewan UndanganNegeri Sarawak Complex, Orchid Garden and Fort Margherita at the Northern Bank.The bridge will also become an integral part of the planned Legacy Park and Halaman Heritage Trail.
Speaking about yesterday’s important milestone, Dato’ Richard Curtis, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad Group Managing Director, said: “This iconic site is indicative of Sarawak’s unique past and rich heritage, and it represents the dynamism and growth of Sarawak into a progressive and rapidly-developing State with an upwardly mobile diverse population and a thriving tourist industry. It is highly appropriate, therefore, that yesterday’s landmark, bringing together both sides of the river, coincides with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations – a global and statewide symbol of unity,community and thanksgiving.
The Golden Anniversary Bridge is designed exclusively for pedestrians, including the disabled, with easily manageable gentle gradients to ascend and descend. Motorised traffic of any kind is therefore prohibited for safety reasons, the statement concluded.
