GEORGE TOWN, Nov 12 — Penang should have direct oversight of the planned reclamation work for popular promenade Gurney Drive here, instead of leaving this to private engineers appointed by the developer, a state lawmaker said today.
Proposing a state committee to undertake the task, DAP’s Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey said this was necessary to ensure the independence of the review.
“Instead of depending on the Department of Environment or consultants appointed by developers, the state should have its own appointed consultants to review such projects,” Yap said today.
She was referring to the reply to her written question on whether the state had appointed a panel to oversee and review the planned reclamation works in Gurney Drive and whether the project plans will be open to public hearing and viewing.
The reply by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the reclamation work would be overseen and reviewed by an engineer appointed by the developer of the project, Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd.
Lim also said the reclaimed land is 20 metres away from any neighbouring lots, so no notice for the project will be issued to people there. He also did not disclose if there will be any public hearing or viewing on the project.
“I am concerned that the planned reclamation of the seafront of this promenade was not presented to the public for their views because at the end of the day, this is public land,” Yap said.
She pointed out that Gurney Drive is a popular jogging spot for locals and frequented by visitors who want to enjoy the sea view, and that they might want to know that the seafront will soon be gone.
The planned reclamation project, which is part of Seri Tanjung Pinang II project, covers 110 acres of the seafront.
The whole 110 acres of reclaimed land will be surrendered to the state government so Yap contends that this is public land, therefore the public has a right to air their views on the project.
