RANAU – The collapsed suspension bridge in Kg Gusi, here, will be rebuilt to reconnect villagers to the next village, said State Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam.
Joachim said the 150m-long bridge was the villagers’ only means of communication to the other side of the river.
“Without the bridge, the villagers’ economic and social activities will be adversely affected. It will be difficult for them to carry their agricultural produce (to the other side), and for children going to school,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Joachim visited the collapsed bridge in Kg Gusi, about 80km from here, accompanied by Sabah Development Office deputy director Mohd Hamdani Sahari.
On November 23, eight teenagers, including three students from SMK Ulu Sugut, had gathered at an 18m-high wooden suspension bridge in the village to gain internet access. The bridge, which they had been using as an “internet station”, collapsed, causing leg and spine injuries to two of the teenagers.
One of the victims is still undergoing treatment for a fracture at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kota Kinabalu.
Joachim, who is also Kundasang assemblyman, said the suspension bridge, built 10 years ago, was in a dilapidated state.
He said the bridge had been repaired before, but it did not last. Therefore, the bridge will be rebuilt soon.
“At the moment, the villagers have to cross the river by using small boats,” he added. – Bernama, December 6, 2020
