State takes over slope project
24/08/1999 The Star

PWD to start work immediately

Penang: The state will spend RM1.2 mil to take over remedial work from the Majestic Heights project developer to rectify part of Jalan Paya Terubong which was exposed after last year's landslip.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Loon yesterday directed the Public Works Department to repair the slope and build a retaining wall immediately.

"I have given instruction to cut red tape, including setting aside procedural matters that can delay mitigation works.

"The developer was rectifying the slope beneath the road but work stopped in March or April this year. The state is forced to take over the work although it's not our responsibility," he told the newsmen after inspecting the site.

Present were state Public Infrastructure Committee chairman Datuk Dr Hilmi Yahya, state PWD director Abdul Rashid Yusof, Penang Municipal Council president Dr Teng Hock-Nan, Paya Terubong assemblyman Dr Loh Hock Hun, George Town OCPD, SAC ii Mustafa Abdullah and Ikram Utara nothern region general manager Ooi In Ou.

Asked whether the developer would be billed for the repairs, Dr Koh said "we will worry about that later."

Negotiations are ongoing between (state executive councillor) Datuk Dr Sak Cheng Lum and the developer to help the latter restart its project.

"We are concerned about the safety of hillslope and the road. The issue of CF (Certificate of Fitness) for Phase 1 is secondary at the moment."

He said one lane of the exposed section would be closed to traffic with immediate effect, adding that PWD would provide 24 hour traffic surveillance.