DBKK considers concrete bridges for Inanam River
Published on: Thursday, January 26, 2023
By: Sidney Skinner
Planks in place and workers put new coat of paint
City Hall is toying with the idea of converting some, if not all, the 35 hanging bridges which straddle the Inanam River to concrete ones as the latter material may prove to be more weather-resistant.A spokesman for the agency’s Engineering Department said the wood and metal used in the hanging bridges often became worn out from protracted water damage.ADVERTISEMENT
“The planks on the walkways and stairs have a tendency to rot while the wire mesh and handhold cables are prone to becoming rusty,” he said.
“The structural integrity of the wood and metal deteriorates over time because of the constant exposure to the rain and river water.
“Because of this, we are looking into the possibility of phasing out the hanging bridges under our care.”
He said concrete bridges could be put up in their stead.ADVERTISEMENT
“These bridges would likely be more durable and require less maintenance. They would also have the added benefit of catering not only to pedestrians but to vehicles as well.”
Because many of the planks were missing, this Inanam bridge was hazardous to cross when it rained heavily.
However, the spokesman said, there was no definite plan as of yet to replace the hanging bridges around Inanam.
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“It is still too early to say whether we will indeed be replacing these bridges. At this stage, we are only contemplating the feasibility of such a move.”
In the meantime, however, City Hall staff had been asked to be more mindful about the condition of the hanging bridges near the town, according to him.
“The bridges are attended to as and when it warrants doing so. To this, end we hope the public will inform us directly of any irregularities involving these structures so that action can be taken to address these problems as soon as possible.”
On an Inanam rate-payer’s observations about the lack of maintenance carried out on a hanging bridge in the Kionsom area, the spokesman said a contractor with the agency recently repaired this amenity.
“A preliminary inspection was made of the bridge in the second week of the month.
“A Kg Kionsom resident and a representative from the Assemblyman’s office accompanied our staff during this check.”
He said the group confirmed that many of the planks on the walkway were missing.
“Those that remained were hazardous to users. Many of them were loose and flipped back when you stepped on them. So, if you were not careful you could easily trip and fall.”
He said new boards were nailed in place a few days later.
“The contractor’s workers also changed and tightened the wire mesh and cables where needed.
“On top of this, paint was applied to the base of the bridge, including the boards, and handholds to mitigate any wear and tear to these fixtures.”
JONAH of Inanam said an elderly “orang kurang upaya (handicapped man)” depended on the bridge to travel to a medical institution near the town.
“He has to go for dialysis regularly,” he said.
“One of his neighbours has to be on standby when he crosses the bridge to go for this treatment, and when he comes back, just so that he doesn’t accidentally fall and hurt himself.”
Jonah brought the plight of this senior citizen to City Hall’s attention in December.
Meanwhile, the Public Works Department recently repaired a bridge in Kg Ulu Sipitang, following feedback about the discrepancy in the level of some of the planks on the structure.
There were apparently gaps in parts of the bridge where the planks were either missing or damaged.
A Department spokesman said the government concessionaire replaced some of the wood on the structure last month.
“There was a slight delay in carrying out these repairs while the firm waited to get the new planks,” he said.
“The bridge is checked regularly, with maintenance carried out as and when it becomes necessary.”
A spokesman for the company said a team of 10 workers was deployed to deal with the structure.
“A total of 18 running-boards were put in place on the ‘timber-deck’ for the bridge,” he said.
“Our staff and the Department’s personnel carried out a joint inspection shortly afterwards to ensure that everything was in order.”
He said the greenery on the reserve – beside and below the bridge – was cleared according to a fixed schedule.
“Any structural irregularities which come to light are promptly attended to. Where possible, we try to have any ‘emergency work’ performed on the spot.”
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