Sim (left) and Chow (centre) crossing the old pedestrian bridge in Sungai Ara, Penang, which will soon be replaced with a new one.
THE construction of an aesthetically designed pedestrian bridge across a stream in Sungai Ara, Penang, will begin after Chinese New Year.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Zin said the existing pedestrian access in the neighbourhood – an old, utilitarian bridge – will be demolished to make way for the new one.
State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that Sim, during the announcement, said the new bridge would be built artistically and creatively to serve not only as a crossing, but also as a sight to behold.
“This new bridge will be big, iconic and beautiful.
“The Linear Park here is a popular ground that acts as a recreational space for the residents.
“Therefore, it is important that we make this place even more attractive and appealing with the new bridge,” Sim said in his speech during the event at the Sungai Ara Linear Park in Bayan Lepas.
He said an architect has been engaged to come up with two designs and residents were invited to vote for the design they liked best via voting slips or by scanning a QR code at a local cafe.
Sim said the expected cost of the design work was RM270,000, which would be channelled from his MP allocation.
“Residents can also expect a market makeover here as we are planning to incorporate some interesting elements to turn this place into a tourist attraction.
“For example, we want to encourage more local traders to set up various businesses here.
“Talks are currently ongoing with the architect,” Sim added.
Present at the unveiling of the proposed new bridge designs were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Batu Maung assemblyman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz. — By ARNOLD LOH
