CM: Slow pace? Penang tunnel study now over 98pct complete
Several months have passed since the last update, but the feasibility study for the Penang undersea tunnel project is inching closer to completion, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
As Chow told Malaysiakini today, the study is 98.45 percent ready, despite many questioning the "slow pace...
Several months have passed since the last update, but the feasibility study for the Penang undersea tunnel project is inching closer to completion, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
As Chow told Malaysiakini today, the study is 98.45 percent ready, despite many questioning the "slow pace."
"I think you remember that it was previously announced that the feasibility study was 97 percent completed. Why such a slow pace?
"The 97 percent completion status was announced by developer Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC) about the progress of their work," he explained.
"When the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) gave their views, the developer had to make adjustments. Once they are required to make adjustments, their percentage (of completion) will drop.
"The percentage of work completion should be based on the ICE, and it is now at 98.45 percent. We are getting closer to finishing the feasibility study."
Read more: Construction of Air Itam-LCE Expressway bypass to be delayed
In May, Chow (below) said the undersea tunnel project was still on, adding that the Penang government’s technical consultant, HSSI Sdn Bhd, had reviewed the CZC study.
“The review of the draft report has been forwarded to the CZC this month to make necessary amendments before it is finalised and endorsed by the state government," he told the Penang Legislative Assembly at the time.
“The next stage of the undersea tunnel project will be decided by the state executive council, but as of now, the project is still on."
Spanning 7.2km, the tunnel project links Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam in Seberang Perai, and is a subject of much discussion as it is a component of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
As Chow noted today, Penang has not made any payment to CZC despite the feasibility study nearing completion.
It will only do so after the final draft is confirmed by the technical consultant and presented to the state executive council for approval, he added.
Asked if the state government was still considering a third link (bridge) to replace the undersea tunnel, Chow said: "We have not received the final report yet. Let us receive the final report before looking into the feasibility of the bridge".
Before last year's general election, then-chief minister Lim Guan Eng said Penang would consider a third bridge if it obtains the necessary funding from Putrajaya.
He added that if the federal government approved the construction of a bridge instead of the tunnel, the cost savings would be channelled into making it toll-free.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.