Blockades at both sides of the bridge near Jalan Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim here have been reinforced since a woman allegedly fell into the drain underneath.
KUCHING: The dilapidated bridge over a monsoon drain near Hock Lee Centre at Jalan Abang Abdul Rahim does not belong to the Kuching City South Council, said mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
“We had, in fact, previously put up no-entry signs and sealed off the bridge at both ends. However, somehow, somebody decided to remove the blockade so that the bridge can continue to be used,” Wee told reporters last night after attending a performance by American band named Farewell Angelina.
On Tuesday, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii pointed out in a Facebook post that the poor condition of the bridge had caused a member of the public to fall into the monsoon drain underneath, although she did not suffer any serious injuries.
Dr Yii said concerns regarding the bridge have been channelled to MBKS since 2019 in the interest of public safety.
Wee making sure access to the bridge is blocked on Tuesday after the mishap.
Wee emphasised that the council has carried out its public duty to stop access for the bridge but the public’s choice to ignore the no-entry sign has put the council in a difficult position.
Currently, he said the council is trying to locate the party responsible for building the bridge and if nobody claims ownership, the council will assess whether to demolish the bridge or come up with other measures.
“We would like to appeal to the public to not use it when it is not safe,” Wee added.
However, Wee said the council will also look into the needs of nearby communities to use the bridge to cross the monsoon drain.