KUCHING: Seventeen years have passed since the Satok suspension bridge collapsed, much to the sadness of folk here.
However, good news is in the air as the iconic landmark is expected to be declared open this year.
A check by New Sarawak Tribune on Monday found that the roads under the Satok bridge are now accessible to vehicles.
Construction on the RM8.05 million suspension bridge, which resumed last October, is already at an advanced stage, with work now focusing on the floor of the suspension bridge and landscaping.
According to Mohamad Noor Farizwan, 28, who runs a food stall at Kubah Ria Foodcourt, he was informed that the bridge is expected to be completed this month.
“I was told that the bridge will be opened this month. I feel relief because the road connecting Jalan Matang to Jalan Merdeka is now open.
“I live in Kampung Lintang, just nearby which is just about 10 minutes by car.
“But the road closure during the construction work caused me to use a longer route to get to my stall here,” he said.
With the completion of the suspension bridge, he hopes that it would attract more tourists to the area and boost sales.
“I hope it will have a positive impact on our businesses when it is open to the public,” he said.
For the old folk here, they were apprehensive about the restoration of the bridge.
Bujang Dollah, 78, from Jalan Merdeka, said while he lauded the effort, he somehow felt a bit dismay with the project.
He said the new structure did not portray the suspension bridge during its heyday.
“Yes, I understand we have to look forward because the world is modern now. But somehow, I feel sad and a bit frustrated.
“Let me tell you why. This is because the bridge keeps so many stories and memories, especially for old folk like us,” he said.
He pointed out that the bridge was significant to him as it was a meeting point not only with his friends but also his love.
“We did a lot of playing, acting on that bridge. We had so much fun. It also cost us nothing to walk across Sarawak river. I really think it should be restored.
“My other suggestion is that the railings be higher to prevent accidents,” he said.
Dollah Umar, 67, also suggested establishing a management team to ensure the bridge is well taken care of.
“I’m a long-time resident of Kuching. The government spends a lot of money to build new things, but we should maintain old structures also.
“The new (Satok) bridge should be designed like the original one.
“Older generation like me have memories about the bridge,” he said.
On the bright side, Bujang and Dollah are optimistic that the bridge would become one of main attractions for domestic tourists.
“We hope this bridge will not become another spot for people to fish,” he added.
The bridge was scheduled for completion last Sept 16 in conjunction with the Malaysia Day celebration, but had to be cancelled after one of the anchor blocks tilted.
This is the second version of the Satok suspension bridge, which was originally opened in 1926. The original 130m-long bridge collapsed in 2004.
A favourite rendezvous for lovers back in the day, the main function of the bridge was to carry water pipelines from the reservoir at the foot of Mount Matang across Sarawak river to consumers in Kuching Proper.
