THE design and construction process of the new Esplanade seawall has taken various factors into consideration to ensure it is safe for the public while maintaining its heritage value, says Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.
Yew said this includes the design of the lower walkway (officially called lower terrace) of the new Esplanade seawall. It forms a small part of the 570m walkway stretching from Medan Renong to the Resident Naval Office close to Port Swettenham.
According to him, the high tide phenomenon was one of the many factors that has been taken into consideration when the city council decided to include the lower terrace in the seawall upgrading project.
“So, this is a decision that we did plan and study carefully and thoroughly with our team of experts during the design process of the seawall to also include the lower terrace.
“And we are happy with the whole process and I would like to emphasise here that there is nothing wrong with the design.
“As a matter of fact, this kind of project also is not new. Many cities in the world have this kind of infrastructure.
“Essentially, it is done in many cities and has never been a problem. It helps the public to get a closer perspective and get close to the sea which is something that the people here enjoy it.
“But the people of course are free to talk, and we are here to explain to them and make them understand why we built the lower terrace,” Yew told a press conference at the Esplanade seawall today.
He was commenting on the high tide phenomenon on May 16 that forced the city council to temporarily close the lower terrace from the public.
MBPP enforcement team on May 16 had to bar the public from entering the lower walkway after the high tide caused the area to overflow.
The newly-upgraded Esplanade seawall, which was opened on May 13, has a unique architectural design that features a lower and higher walkway.
Yew added that every year, Penang will experience the high tide phenomenon between 30 and 45 days.
“But the specific days can be predicted as we did on May 16 when we alert the public about the high tide. So, we are fully aware of the incident.
“We also have put a signboard at the lower terrace to warn visitors and will close the lower terrace from 9pm to 7am every day to ensure safety for the public.
“Apart from that, we also have installed closed-circuit television (CCTVs) around this area so that the people will feel safe here as we continue to monitor the place,” added Yew.
Yew also advised the public to use their common sense to enter the seawall lower terrace.
“As an example, when a family comes here, they should know how to take care of their children when they see a high tide.
“It is common sense just like when you go to other beaches and waterfronts. People will know exactly how to take care of their children when they notice the high tide phenomenon and the same concept and awareness should apply here as well when they visit the Esplanade seawall and enter the lower terrace section.
“If that can be done, then, we can avoid any unnecessary incidents,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Alissala Thian