KUCHING: The construction of Tasik Biru Pedestrian Bridge will bring back old memories of Tasik Biru during its gold mining activities.
Tasik Biru asssemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the first bridge across the lake was built in the early 1970s when gold mining activities were still active in the area. It was later demolished in the 1990s during the second phase of mining activities in the lake.
“When this bridge is complete, it will be a new tourist attraction for Tasik Biru,” he said during the earth-breaking ceremony for the pedestrian bridge and annual Tasik Biru Festival, yesterday.
He said the design of the iconic bridge is based on the Waihi Bridge in New Zealand.
Earlier in his speech, Henry urged the locals to make full use of the bridge when completed in December next year while at the same time to also look after the cleanliness of the surrounding areas.
The RM1 million Tasik Biru Pedestrian Bridge is 60 metres long; 2.20 metres in width and 4.5 metres high.
Public Works Department (JKR) Kuching division will be the implementing agency.
Construction works will commence next month and the bridge will be completed by Dec 2020.
The bridge will provide a safe access across the lake, reduce walking period to cross the Tasik Biru area and also act as a catalyst for various economic development for Bau town.
Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi officiated at the earth-breaking ceremony.
“Tasik Biru is famous for its iconic blue lake and with the completion of the bridge it will attract more locals and international tourists to marvel at the beauty of this place,” said Julaihi.
He said the bridge is fully funded by the state government and it will definitely have a positive impact on the tourism activities and improve the socio economy of the locals.
