A TOTAL of 131 slopes collapsed along the road reserves under the Public Works Department (PWD) in Penang, following the disasters on Sept 15 and Nov 4.
State Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng (DAP-Bagan Jermal) said 46 slopes collapsed on Sept 15, while 85 collapsed on Nov 4.
“The affected roads were Paya Terubong federal road (FT220) Jalan Tanjung Tokong-Batu Ferringhi-Teluk Bahang-Balik Pulau (FT006), Jalan Tun Sardon (P14) and Jalan Jeep in Bukit Bendera.
“Following the natural disasters that hit Penang, PWD immediately acted on the emergency and repair works.
“Sixty-one machinery such as excavators, backhoes and lorries were used to clear the fallen trees, boulders and soil,” he said in his winding-up speech at the State Assembly recently.
Lim said that the state was actively pursuing 14 road construction and upgrading projects that have been detailed in the Penang 2017 Budget, with allocation amounted to RM12.76 million.
“The Penang 2018 Budget allocated RM61.2 million compared to RM42.3 million during the Penang 2017 Budget for public works.
“We will continue to ensure the work quality in the state is the best, safe and facilitates accessibility of road users.
“The Penang government will continue to implement mega infrastructure projects that have been planned. The plans have been studied and they solve traffic congestion and improve public transport services,” Lim added.