SIDE and back lanes in Penang are now in better shape, making pedestrians to feel safer and comfortable to use them; in fact, pedestrians opt to use them because of the ambiance.
Recently, the side lane located between Bank of China and HSBC Bank, which connects Beach Street to Weld Quay was transformed into an exciting pocket park.
The project, which was done by the Bank of China under their Corporate Responsibility Programme (CSR), was completed on Nov 17 last year. The project started on June 18 last year.
The side lane is equipped with a designated bicycle lane and the area will be lighted up at night to provide a safer passageway. Cyclists are encouraged to use the side lane.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the state government would continue to upgrade side and back lanes in Penang to make them safer.
“This project is an example of our initiative to make Penang greener and safer through the 4P partnership (public, private, people and professional).
“Recently, I have made some announcements pertaining to the ‘Green Connector’ programme which will be launched soon in Penang.
“We want to have seamless connectivity throughout the Penang island. We are looking into upgrading certain areas to make it more livable, greener and safer,” Jagdeep Singh said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the side lane in Beach Street today.
Jagdeep Singh urged the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to identify side and back lanes on the island to be upgraded, by the state government in collaboration with the private sector.
“I will be waiting for the council to provide me with the list of side and back lanes to be upgraded. We welcome the private sector to take up these upgrading projects as part of their CSR programmes,” he said.
Also present were MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, Bank of China (M) Berhad deputy chief executive officer Qiu Heng Chang, Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Commercial Consul Gong You Ying and MBPP councillors.
Below are the status of the identified side and back lanes on the island:
a) Back lane in Armenian Street and Acheh Street (completed and officiated on Sept 14, 2017)
b) Back lane connecting Magazine Road and Jalan Gurdwara (completed and officiated on Oct 20, 2017)
c) Back lane connecting Lebuh Keng Kwee and Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong (completed)
d) Back lane connecting Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong and Jalan Cheong Fatt Tze (in progress)
e) Side lane next to Bank of China, Beach Street (completed on Nov 17, 2018)
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
