THE new bridge at the Jalan Kampung Nelayan in Teluk Bahang has brought much comfort to the road users and residents there as well as helps to rectify flood woes in the neighbourhood.
Recently completed, the bridge was a project undertaken by the state Public Works Department (JKR). It involved the improvement works on the existing bridge structures using the single-span bridge technique.
A meter reader from the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) S. Suresh Kumar, 45, said he feels much safer to use the new bridge after its safety aspect has been enhanced.
“I always use this bridge to cross over the Teluk Bahang River to carry out my job as a water meter reader at houses in this neighbourhood.
“Now that the bridge is wider, pedestrians have more space to walk across the bridge. This makes it a lot safer and convenient for everyone.
“I think the new bridge would really benefit the residents here,” said Suresh when the Buletin Mutiara team approached him as he was going on his rounds to read water meters this morning.
Pertubuhan Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PPDK) supervisor Siti Ropiah Bawa said the new bridge plays a pivotal role in resolving the flood issue in Jalan Kampung Nelayan.
“The new bridge is higher and enables water to flow out easily to the sea. Previously, we used to encounter occurrences of flood during a high tide.
“Now we have a rainy season with strong winds. Even after a downpour recently, it did not flood over here.
“The initiative in coming up with a new bridge is something really commendable and we are thankful for the good work done by the JKR,’’ said Ropiah, whose centre is just a few steps away from the bridge.
Earlier on Sept 1, the bridge was officially opened by then state Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who is now in charge of Infrastructure and Transport portfolios following a mid-term exco reshuffle on Sept 9.
It was reported that the project was fully funded by the state government with a cost of RM1.15 million and it was completed ahead of time.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi