|
Wednesday, 23 September 2009 19:02 |
|
THE Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) project could be on the table again. The federal government has reportedly agreed to restart the project after it had been shelved last year when it was excluded from the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.
This highly controversial project had received stiff opposition from residents groups, civil society groups, and significant segments of the public when it was mooted the first time, as there were many environmental and social concerns. According to this (Return of the PORR quake, theSun, 17.09.09) article, details of the new PORR that have leaked out includes: - A move by the project’s concessionaire to seek rights to reclaim 61ha in Gurney Drive
- Reclamation of another 142ha in Middle Bank, a site close to the Weld Quay jetties near Jelutong
- Construction of an 18km toll highway cutting across the island from Tanjong Tokong to the Penang Bridge. This route runs through forested hills and water catchments along the route, together with public parks and crowded townships
It is reported that this project is to be undertaken by Economic Planning Unit-approved company Daya Aliran Inovasi Sdn Bhd which has Datuk Ahmad Ismail, the former Umno Bukit Bendera division chief, as its shareholder. The state government has stated that it had yet to receive any briefing from the federal government on the project. CM Lim Guan Eng has commented that while the state government welcomed any project that could help reduce the traffic congestion, the project “must be economically, environmentally viable and provide sustainability and balance” before it can be approved. Read here. Meanwhile blogger Anil Netto, in this insightful article, remarked that PORR would be totally against the vision of the Penang Transport Council set up by State Exco.
Also in the news last week was the contreversial move taken by the state to stake claim to the word 'Penang'. While CM Lim stated that the move was in order to avoid confusion among people who attended events that were or weren't state sponsored (read here), it (the move) received alot of flack from the public as well as non-governmental organisations, conservationists and political parties. Read here and here. In order to quell the brimming sentiment, he then softened his stance on the matter by stating that those wanting to use the name need to only inform the state government instead of seeking permission. Read here. Other news Money for Unesco site with Khazanah: A federal allocation promised to Penang after its successful listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site has been given to Khazanah Nasional. Read here Kg Buah Pala folk to sue developer for demolishing houses: Kampung Buah Pala villagers plan to file a RM4mil suit against developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd for demolishing 15 houses in the village as the residents claimed that the company had no right to demolish the buildings as it had only obtained vacant possession of the place. Read here. Meanwhile, the Penang Government has offered an olive branch to displaced Kampung Buah Pala residents telling them to contact the state if they had trouble finding places to rent. Read here - Penang help for Penan abuse victims: Penang is donating RM30,000 to help the Penan girls and women who were allegedly raped and sexually abused by timber company workers. Read here
- Look beyond residential projects, developers told: Penang state government has urged developers should look beyond residential projects and complement their offerings with tourism, trade and education-related developments. Read here
 |
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form
