The Ministry of Public Works and Housing Completes the Sungai Pisang Suspension Bridge to Access Padang Tourism

Sungai Pisang/ANTARA/HO Bridge - Ministry of PUPR

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) has completed the construction of the Sungai Pisang Suspension Bridge, Bungus Teluk Kabung District in Padang City, West Sumatra, to support tourism access.

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said the construction of suspension bridges as one of the people's infrastructures would facilitate mobility and cut travel time between villages which previously had to travel long distances, because they were separated by geographical conditions, such as slopes, hills, ravines, or rivers.

"The presence of a suspension bridge will facilitate and shorten the access of rural communities to schools, markets, workplaces, take care of administration to the sub-district or sub-district office and access to friendships between residents", Basuki said as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, January 5.

The construction of the suspension bridge will make it easier for residents to access the Pisang River, as well as support tourism to Pasumpahan Island, Pamutusan Island, and Sikuai Island.

The Sungai Pisang Bridge was built by the West Sumatra National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN), Directorate General of Highways, and Ministry of PUPR, to replace the old bridge which was in an unfit condition.

By its designation, the Sungai Pisang Suspension Bridge is specifically for residents who walk or use two-wheeled motorized vehicles. This bridge may not be passed by four-wheeled vehicles unless it is urgent for an ambulance.

The Sungai Pisang Suspension Bridge stretches over the Sungai Pisang with a length of 42 meters. The construction of the bridge began on April 19, 2022, and was completed in December 2022 with funds of IDR 3.6 billion which was carried out by CV Alyra.

The presence of this bridge is very important for the mobility of people and goods, especially fishermen who live across the Pisang River and want to sell fish.

In addition, this suspension bridge also opens up other potentials to improve the economy of residents, one of which is as a tourism attraction and makes it easier for tourists to access the pier to tourist destinations on Pasumpahan Island, Pamutusan Island, and Sikuai Island.

By: Aji Cakti