THE bridge across Sungai Teluk Kumbar near Jalan Gertak Sanggul in the Penang island’s southwest district will be closed for six months, starting March 6 till Sept 6 this year for upgrading purposes.
Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz said motorists could use Jalan Kampung Masjid, Lintang Kampung Masjid, Tingkat Teluk Kumbar and Tingkat Teluk Kumbar 1 as alternative routes.
He said the existing bridge was narrow and it was difficult for water to flow out, especially during a downpour.
“Hence, the existing structure will be upgraded to 12 metres long and 12 metres wide at a cost of RM2,046,306.42.
“For the sake of public safety, the bridge will be completely closed from March 6 to Sept 6,” he told reporters during a visit to the site today.
Separately, Azrul also briefed the media that the building of three new pump houses, costing RM7,963,210 in other villages had been completed.
“We are waiting for the pump installation work, which is expected to begin from April 5 to April 26.
“It will benefit some 22,000 people in Kampung Nelayan, Kampung Suluk, Kampung Matahari Naik and other housing areas. This will likely solve 80% of the frequently flood problems in the area.
“This shows the state government listens to the people’s grievances and we try our best to look into it,” he added.
Also present were Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik and state Irrigation and Drainage director Shukri Muslim.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Watawa Nataf Zulkifli