KOTA KINABALU – The controversial KK Skybridge finally opened to pedestrians today, but the Sabah government continues to receive brickbats from netizens as the RM31.5 million project has yet to be fully completed.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor earlier announced the 400m crossing was done.
The state government injected an additional RM4.7 million into the project when its construction stalled for two years after the developer was declared bankrupt.
Hajiji launched the skybridge on September 3 – four years and three state administrations since the project first began.
Connecting Asia City, the Api-Api commercial centre, Warisan Square and Oceanus Mall, the structure is equipped with escalators, air conditioning, kiosks and facilities for the disabled.
It was initially funded by the Prime Minister’s Department via the Public-Private Partnership Unit.
Social media users in the state capital are unhappy that a portion of the bridge that connects to the popular Centre Point Sabah mall is not yet completed, following the shopping centre owner’s purported refusal to allow the state government to conduct the necessary work.
Hajiji and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) have noted the mall management’s refusal to have a staircase or an entrance built to allow access to Centre Point Sabah, but netizens are not buying this.
It is learnt that the mall management itself intends to build an access route from the skybridge into the mall.
“Why didn’t they get approval from the mall management before starting the project?” asked a Facebook user.
Twitter user Al-Rashid Zulkefli said: “When heading to the mall, one would need to jump down.”
His post has seen nearly 5,000 retweets since Sunday.
DBKK has put up a banner stating that the portion in question will be open once the mall’s owner completes the construction of a door or stairwell.
The mall management has yet to respond to queries on the matter.
Pedestrians said the crossing is useful, as the area sees high traffic on the roads.
“I have seen accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles, especially along the Jalan Pantai coastal highway, and also, the road between the Api-Api centre and the front entrance of Centre Point,” said mall worker Iqmal Muslim.
“It’s safer now to cross Jalan Pantai from Ruang Singgah Mata to the Api-Api centre. It would be even more safe when the Centre Point link is completed.”
A pedestrian who wished to be known only as Leo called for the speedy completion of the said link.
“It defeats the purpose of ensuring the safety of all pedestrians.
“I’m not sure why the mall management has not allowed a door or staircase to be built.”
He added that the state government is not to blame for this. – The Vibes, September 9, 2021
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