| Danial Norjidi |
THE pedestrian bridge linking Dermaga Diraja and Jalan Residency was officially opened in a ceremony yesterday.
The ceremony was officiated by the Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the Ministry of Development Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin as the guest of honour.
Shortly after opening the pedestrian bridge, the guest of honour and invited guests took a leisure walk across the bridge.
Among the attendees at the opening ceremony were Director General of Public Works Department (JKR) Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria; the Brunei-Muara District Officer; the Chairman of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board; Legislative Council member and the Penghulu of Mukim Kota Batu Yang Berhormat Naim bin Haji Kamis; and senior government officials.
According to a press release by JKR, the construction of the pedestrian bridge is part of the Jalan Residency expansion project. It commenced operations on May 14.
The new pedestrian bridge is eight metres wide and 80 metres long spanning across the Sungai Kianggeh. The construction is aimed at connecting the Dermaga Diraja to Jalan Residency and completing a network of footpaths measuring three kilometres long, beginning from Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas to the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge.
The press release noted that the establishment of the pedestrian bridge will be able to further expand space for public recreation along the banks of the Sungai Brunei, while enjoying the atmosphere of Bandar Seri Begawan and Kampong Ayer and become an attraction as a place of interest among visitors and tourists alike.
In addition, the completion of the aforementioned network of footpaths is expected to be able to generate growth in terms of socio-economic activities and enhance the beauty of Bandar Seri Begawan.
In this regard, the JKR sought the cooperation of all parties to safeguard the cleanliness of the pedestrian bridge and its surroundings.