PENANG Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo has reiterated the state government’s commitment to assist the eligible housing schemes that need facility maintenance assistance.
“That is what the Penang government does. We ensure there is affordable housing for Penangites and provide help if there is a need for facility maintenance assistance.
“To date (March 25), the Penang government has already aided 30,176 maintenance works at a cost of RM297.11 million.
“These maintenance works involved various projects of eligible housing schemes in all five districts in Penang. Among the projects were lift maintenance or replacements, maintenance of water tanks, and waterproofing works.
“What has the Federal Government been doing?” Jagdeep questioned the Federal Government during a media conference at Halaman Kristal this morning.
He said the state through the Penang Housing Board had applied for RM134.76 million to finance the maintenance of public and private housing schemes.
“They comprised 198 maintenance projects. A total of RM50.355 million is for projects under the Housing Maintenance Programme (PPP), while a total of RM84.414 million is for works under the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM).
“The Federal Government through the Ministry of Housing and Local Government through a letter dated March 10 has only approved a total of RM1.821 million,” he said.
Jagdeep criticised the visit by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to Penang yesterday, adding that it was pointless to visit without assisting the people.
“Why visit just to seek popularity? We do not need that.
“The state government will continue to help the people. Action speaks louder,” he said.
Jagdeep was at Halaman Kristal to announce the approval of its application for the Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP).
“The state has approved the roof repair (waterproofing) and other related works under the TPM80PP scheme.
“Of the total cost of RM492,700, the state government will be allocating RM394,160 for the project and the balance will be borne by the residents,” he said.
Also present was Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.