KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has approved RM4.7 million to complete the city’s Sky Bridge project that has been stalled since 2018 when its developer became insolvent.
Announcing this after visiting the site on Thursday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Hj Noor wants the project linking Oceanus, Api-Api Centre and Asia City to be completed as soon as possible.
With construction commencing soon the project is expected to complete by middle of this year.
“We do not want the Sky Bridge project to be abandoned indefinitely. It must be completed quickly for the convenience and safety of the public, “ he said.
The RM31.5 million project was funded by the Prime Minister’s Department Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) through a Facilitation Fund Agreement between the Government of Malaysia, Malaysia Development Bank and Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd on Feb 9, 2017.
Under the agreement, the Malaysian Government has the right to terminate the Facilitation Fund should the developer became insolvent.
Construction of the pedestrian linkages and upgrading works of the surrounding infrastructures began on April 1, 2017 and were scheduled for completion within six months (Sept 30, 2017) but later extended to April 30, 2018.
Sunsea Development Sdn Bhd was given the winding up order on April 18, 2018.
With 90 per cent of the project already completed, the contractor, Petrofiq Sdn Bhd halted works citing it did not receive payment.
Accompanying the Chief Minister during the visit were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Nominated Assemblyman, Datuk Yong Teck Lee and Kota Kinabalu City Hall Mayor, Noorliza Awang Alip.-pr/BNN