Penang surprise mega road project

Penang springs surprise mega-road project
Susan Loone
Apr 29, 11
3:08pm
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As the 13th general election looms, Penang is scrambling to rectify its perennial traffic congestion problem that is expected to be an election campaign hot topic.

The state governments answer: a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed yesterday in Putrajaya between the Penang government and Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG).

Prime Minister Najib and China Premier Wen Jia Bao both witnessed the signing of the MOU, that includes the construction of a 15.3km billion ringgit road and tunnel project.

However, the abrupt manner in which the project was announced, without the knowledge of most Penangites until yesterday, begs the question of how this adheres to the Penang governments competency, accountability and accountability (CAT) principles.

The project spans the Gurney Drive Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Bypass (4.2km); Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Bandar Baru Air Itam Bypass (4.6km) and Penang Butterworth Tunnel (6.5km).

Pending technical studies and reports that will take at least 6 months, the Penang government will then issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) for other interested parties to participate in an open tender on the three projects, said Lim in a statement issued yesterday.

When questioned today, Lim withheld some information, including the actual cost of the construction and time taken to complete the project, although he added, (I have) some clues but Id rather keep them to myself.

Lim merely told reporters to wait for the outcome of the RFP, assuring that the state would seek an open tender for the project, although BUGG is planning to submit a detailed proposal on its mega-plan.

Chinas thumbs up

Lim, who is DAP national secretary general, appeared jubilant about the recently announced plan to resolve traffic congestion in the island.

In an attempt to allay any doubts surrounding t! he proje ct, Lim said the MOU was a sign and appreciation that China recognises the important position of Penang as a choice destination for tourists as it is develop and yet environment-friendly.

The Chinese company, he added, was a well-established company in China, responsible for the building of the Birds Nest National Stadium iconic during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Its not a fly by night company and its interest in Penang is an honour to the 1.6 million Penangites, said the CM after the official opening of the Penang state legislative assembly today.

Penang has not seen this kind of interest before and we welcome it, but we will still go through an open tender system for the project, he added.

When asked about eviction problems that may arise due to the construction, Lim said only a minimum area of land would be acquired to implement the project, adding that cases would be properly resolved.

Apart from resolving the states massive traffic jams, Lim said, the project would bring development to Seberang Perai Utara, while linking the mainland to the island.

Although some of the areas included in the plan was under the opposition (Umno) like Kepala Batas, added Lim, the state government was fair to all Penangites despite differences in political allegiance.

Kepala Batas is the stronghold of former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is currently its MP.

Anticipating the naysayers

Lim also spoke about the merits of the Chinese company, that he says has the ability to fund the three proposed projects.

He reiterated that Chinas interest in Penang is a vote of confidence for the state.

Penang has been sleeping for 18 years, but now, it is awake again, said Lim, taking a jibe at the previous state administration under Gerakan, led by federal minister Koh Tsu Koon.

Lim anticipated that his detractors may attack the government over the project, that had reportedly shocked many as it was under wraps until the MOU was announced yesterday.

! We were attacked (in the past) and were told to spend money on building roads; now that we want to build roads, we are attached againdamned if you do, damned if you dont, he quipped.

When asked why the state government is not spending the money to upgrade its public transport system instead, Lim replied that it would be carried out simultaneously with the road project.

There is no point improving public transport without providing alternative routes and dedicated bus lanes, said Lim.

He then asked journalists whether they thought the project was viable, as Penangites living in Penang, and many said it could be considered.

Whether the project succeeds or not, (the odds) is 50-50, but Id rather try failing than fail without trying, said Lim repeating his famous quote.