GEORGE TOWN: The new pedestrian walkway at the redeveloped Esplanade waterfront was temporarily closed today because of high tide.
The council announced the closure, beginning this afternoon, out of concerns for public safety, Bernama reported.
The seawall features a two-tiered walkway which incorporates a trench which would take in water from outside the seawall during high tide.
The council also advised the public to avoid being too near the waterfront during high tide for their own safety.
The redeveloped Esplanade waterfront was opened to the public last Friday. The project cost RM12.9 million and was part of a city council initiative to improve the area and provide interesting and inclusive public spaces.
The redevelopment includes a 570m pedestrian walkway from the hawkers’ centre at Medan Selera Renong to the naval base near Fort Cornwallis.
Mayor Yew Tung Seang said last week the new seawall also provided protection against the open sea, through a network of subterranean drainage system that will help channel water from inland out to sea.