The skybridge, linking the major shopping malls and commercial centres in the area, provides a safe passage for pedestrians cross the roads.
KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Central Youth Movement Leader Sim Fui urged the government to solve the suspended skybridge project dilemma as soon as possible.
Sim was concerned that the skybridge was at risk of becoming a white elephant project.
He said the air-conditioned skybridge has yet to be open to the public a year after its near completion due to various factors, including the developer’s insolvency and lack of action by the government in resolving the problem.
“The abandoned project is a huge disappointment and poses a risk to Kota Kinabalu in becoming the city of abandoned projects, such as Star City, 1 Sulaman and KK Bus Terminal.”
Sim believed that Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin had vowed to bring the matter up with the Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and study the possibility for the State Government to take over the skybridge project but no announcement had been made after three months.
“Since the Government intends to build the proposed RM5.2 billion railway track from Kota Kinabalu to Kudat, why can’t the government look into repaying RM20 million owed to the contractor so that the project can be fully
completed?” he asked.
Petrofiq Sdn Bhd was appointed by the developer of the skybridge, Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd, to undertake the project.
The skybridge has achieved 95 per cent completion but Petrofiq has only received 35 per cent of the contract sum, leaving a balance of approximately RM20 million.
The Skybridge, Pedestrian Linkage and Traffic Improvement Works under Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Masterplan Scheme A is financed by the Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS).
He said Sunsea Development, by right, could claim the money from UKAS upon completion of the skybridge.
However, Sim said the developer had become insolvent before the skybridge was completed and therefore was unable to obtain the funding from UKAS in order to pay the contractor.
Sim said he had inspected the skybridge recently with LDP Public Complaint Bureau chief Jason Liew Chien Yan, with the cooperation from Petrofiq.
“The contractor is eager to solve the problem and even have a few good proposals but the relevant authorities are not taking the matter seriously.
“The government is rolling out new development projects but we also urge the Government to resolve the pressing issues right before our very eyes.”
He said there had been a viral video complaining about the skybridge recently, which prompted a lot of questions from his friends and relatives abroad.
Sim urged the government and contractor to sit down and discuss the matter.
“The government can pay the contractor directly or appoint the contractor to take over the project or lease the skybridge to the contractor in return for completing the skybridge”
“Either way is better than abandoning the entire skybridge project.”
The RM 31.5 million skybridge connects the major shopping malls and commercial centres in the area, namely Oceanus Waterfront Mall, Asia City, Centre Point Sabah, Warisan Square and Api-Api Centre. There are 20 air-conditioned retail lots on the skybridge.
He also hoped that the Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew would also look into the issue as the skybridge would not only benefit locals, but also reflect our image to tourists.
“The government should ensure the project is completed as soon as possible or risk disappointing the people who have placed high expectations on the new government during the election.”