GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has been taken to task for allegedly prioritising views from special purpose vehicle (SPV) companies instead of the Public Works Department (PWD).
Penang Citizens Awareness Chant Group adviser Yan Lee claimed numerous mega projects in the state did not seem to prioritise cooperation and suggestions from the PWD.
He said the move appears to go against the main function of the PWD to provide technical advice to the Federal and state governments for all planned developments.
“Pakatan Harapan (PH) has now become the Federal government and the same party is leading the state government too So why is there no cooperation with the PWD for projects in the state?
“Why appoint and prioritise the SPV? How long should we depend on them? What did they (SPV) do to draft the mega projects in the state?
“Is it because the PWD has no expertise? This is certainly not in line with the spirit of the New Malaysia espoused by the PH government,” he said.
He was drawing reference to an incident involved collapsed concrete beams at the Bukit Kukus paired roads project recently.
The mishap happened about 8.30pm on Thursday when a crane, carrying a steel plate, swung outward and hit one of the beams of the road before 11 of the 14 beams collapsed on the slope.
No casualties were reported.
The elevated road project, an alternative road linking Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Bandar Baru Air Itam to Lebuh Bukit Jambul, is expected to be delayed by a year, from the initial completion date on March 2019 to March 2020.
Yan also questioned the preparedness of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in monitoring the development of mega projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) and Penang Structure Plan (PSP) 2030.
“This is to ensure the safety of all Penangites and also the direct involvement of the parties in the project. Who will monitor these projects?
“What will happen to the PTMP and PSP 2030 if they cannot even supervise the Bukit Kukus project? This raises more concerns for the people in years to come,” he said.