 Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the RM3 billion second bridge in
Penang to be completed on schedule by January 2011 and will brook no delays.
As the bridge will be a catalyst for development of the Northern Corridor, he
has directed UEM Group, which is undertaking the project, the state government
and relevant agencies to ensure that all approvals are fast-tracked.
"Penang will serve as the northern hub for air and sea connections and hence
the government will improve the airport and seaport facilities in tandem with
the development of the second bridge.
"Penang will also be an important link for the Eastern Corridor, especially
from Kelantan, as goods from there can to be transported to Penang to take
advantage of the facilities here. This shows the significance of having the
second bridge to complement the existing Penang Bridge," he said at the
ground-breaking ceremony in Batu Kawan today.
Even with two bridges linking Penang island to the mainland, the still
popular ferry service will be maintained.
"The ferry service is closely associated with Penang. It does not mean that
when we have two bridges, we do not need the ferry service. I believe that many
who come to the island use the ferry as it is a tourist attraction. Even the
[existing] bridge is a tourist attraction," said Abdullah.
The prime minister pledged to take a personal interest in the bridge project.
"I will check on the progress as I come back to Penang often. Whenever I am
back, I will visit the site to check on what is happening.
"I will ensure that Koh (Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon)
ensures that the necessary approvals for the project from the state government
are given without delays. So must all the relevant agencies," he said.
"Local contractors, who will get a fair share from the distribution of
spin-offs from this project, must [carry out the jobs] efficiently and
diligently. They must not let inefficiency of sub-contractors delay this
project," he said.
Turning to UEM, he said: "I want the highest levels of expertise and
standards to be implemented in this project. The bridge must stand strong and
firm and also be a sight to behold."
Also present at the event was Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, UEM
Group chairman Datuk Abu Hassan Kendut, its managing director and CEO Datuk
Ahmad Pardas Senin and former chief minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu who played a
pivotal role in conceptualising the first Penang Bridge.
The main features include two viewing platforms built half-way along the
bridge, expected to offer good views of the mainland and island.
The 100m-diameter viewing platforms will feature a rest and service area and
retail outlets as well as serve as a venue to host corporate or state functions.
The two-level platforms will include parking bays at the lower level, complete
with a pedestrian crossing connecting both platforms.
To reflect The Pearl of the Orient moniker, the circular platforms are
designed to look like oyster shells. A pearl rests atop the main structure in
the centre of each platform, while pearl-shaped decorative light fixtures circle
the entire circumference of the platform, symbolising a pearl necklace.
As Penang derives its name from the Malay word "pinang", there will be
sculptures of the pokok pinang or areca palm showcasing local craftsmanship.
At another function today, Abdullah said the second bridge project will bring
a lot of benefits to the people in the surrounding areas, including neighbouring
states like Perak, Kedah, Perlis and even Kelantan.
He also had advice for land owners with property near the second bridge
construction sites: They should not be greedy and sell their land for a quick
profit.
He said demand for land in the vicinity was expected to increase many fold.
He advised land owners, especially bumiputras, to look for better options
like for development purposes or other good investments. They should go for
something which will bring better profits instead of opting for quick gains
which don't last. |
