STATE Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state government has so far spent a total of RM18.51 million on various maintenance works at the Taman Free School Flats.
“We (state government) want to enhance the liveability of the residents at Taman Free School. So, we will continue with our upgrading works of the facilities here.
“Out of the RM18.51 million spent on the various maintenance work here, RM5.27 million was borne by Penang Housing Board and the remaining RM13.24 million borne by the Penang Island City Council,” Jagdeep said during a press conference at Taman Free School Flats today.
Jagdeep said he hoped to see the Taman Free School Flats become a new township upon the implementation of the urban regeneration programme, which is still in the planning stage.
He was present at Taman Free School to announce the completion of the installation work of the additional lifts at three blocks, namely L, M and N.
“The three blocks are high-rise blocks. For the residents’ convenience, we decided to add one lift to each block.
“Originally, there was only one lift at the respective blocks. And I would like to thank the MBPP for the good job done,” he added.
Meanwhile, MBPP secretary Datuk A. Rajendran said the blocks were built back in 1961 with only one lift each.
“Now, by equipping the blocks with additional lifts, it would be helpful for the senior citizens.
“We are now waiting for the approval from Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan Pulau Pinang (JKKP) before operating the newly-installed lifts.
“Mostly probably, these lifts can operate in early November,” Rajendran said.
Rajan also said the newly-installed lifts are more spacious which will be more comfortable for individuals in wheelchairs.
“The state government has spent a total of RM1.4 million for the installation of these new lifts while the existing lifts will be replaced with new ones at a total cost of RM1.2 million.
“It will be borne by the Federal government from its Tabung Penyelenggaraan Perumahan Malaysia (TPPM). The replacement work is expected to be completed by end of this year,” he added.
Apart from that, Rajendran said wiring work, costing a total of RM1.2 million, was also carried out at all three blocks (L,M and N).
After the press conference, Jagdeep also distributed Deepavali cookies to the residents in the neighbourhood.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad