CAP calls for a rethink of projects
Penang's most recognisable activist warns against pursuing road and tunnel projects
S.M. Mohamed Idris, the 85-year-old activist asked the DAP-led state government yesterday to disclose which prime land in Gurney Drive will be 'given away' in exchange for RM8 billion worth of infrastructure projects to resolve the island's severe traffic congestion.
The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) president, commenting on the proposed building of three roads and a tunnel linking Gurney Drive to Butterworth, said the state was courting trouble by pursuing the project.
He said a recent major hydraulic study conducted by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) showed that land reclamation had badly affected the coastal and fishing areas on the mainland. These have also affected sea currents.
"By proceeding with the infrastructure projects, the state is courting trouble and as such, CAP is strongly against any further land reclamations."
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng recently announced plans to construct three major roads and a tunnel project, to reduce traffic congestion on the island.
Under the plan, the state government will pay developers with prime land around Gurney Drive to construct the three bypass highways and a sea tunnel connecting Gurney Drive to the northern side of Butterworth, costing a total of RM8 billion.
Idris, who is Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president, said Penang should wait for the outcome of the Tansportation Master Plan before pushing ahead with the projects.
As the new road projects would lead to a busier traffic, Idris asked this: "Can Penang afford to cope with the increase in capacity?
Will the people be happy with all this? What will happen to their quality of life?"
Echoing this sentiment was Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Civil Engineering lecturer Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah.
He said it was much wiser for Penang to concentrate on a new rail-based system, supported by an improved public transportation system.
"Instead of a road tunnel, we can actually do with a rail tunnel ... in fact, we do not need a tunnel at all, as building rail tracks along the bridges are a much better and cheaper option. It is therefore my recommendation, that the government rethink the rail project."
Read more: CAP calls for a rethink of projects - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/local/general/cap-calls-for-a-rethink-of-projects-1.6442?open=true#commentsForm-7399#ixzz1dsfsp8EO
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