CM: Speed up homes for victims

05/09/2006 The Star

CHIEF Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has ordered that construction work on a block of apartments for tsunami victims in Tanjung Bugah, Penang, be expedited.

He said he was aware that the project was behind schedule, adding that he had contacted State Housing, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Syed Amerrudin Syed Ahmad to look into the matter.

“I am aware of the delay in the completion of this project and I have spoken to Syed Amerrudin personally.

“He will look into the matter and do the necessary,” he told reporters after briefing Taiwan small and medium enterprise (SME) delegates at Evergreen Laurel Hotel in Penang yesterday.

A few days earlier, the Au-ditor-General’s findings show-ed that work to build and repair houses for tsunami victims in Kedah and Penang were shoddy.

Tsunami victims staying in temporary houses in Jalan Batu Ferringhi were fed up with the delay.

Some of them have also complained that the size of the houses was smaller than what was promised.

On another matter, Dr Koh said the Penang Municipal Council was keeping a close watch on the new housing project planned on the hillslope near Solok Tan Jit Seng in Tanjung Bungah.

Several days earlier, some 40 people from the seven bungalows nearby heard that the site had been earmarked for 25 units of three-storey terrace houses.

Trees would also be cut down to make way for the project.

“I have asked the council to monitor the project. The residents’ safety should re-main the utmost priority,” said Dr Koh.