THE housing schemes in Cecil Street and Weld Quay that were developed by the Penang Development Corporation some 30 years ago need to be rejuvenated, Daniel Gooi (PH- Pengkalan Kota) told the State Legislative Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
He said in Penang, the Urban Renewal Committee, which is formed by the state government and headed by state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh, is instrumental in restoring old residential buildings.
“I would like to bring to the attention of the committee to look into the housing projects around Cecil Street and Weld Quay which were developed during the era when Komtar was developed. The designs of the buildings are not conducive enough.
“Since these housing projects are landed properties, perhaps the state government can consider helping to renew them while taking into account the factors such as density.
“If stratified housing schemes are being considered and studied over here, perhaps some additional facilities can be made available,’’ Gooi said during his speech at the State Legislative Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Gooi also suggested the state government come up with incentive schemes for the owners of the old abandoned buildings to encourage business activities to be conducted there as well as reviving those buildings.
On abandoned old buildings in George Town especially in Victoria Street, he said although the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has laws governing old abandoned buildings, the biggest setback is that the council is unable to track down the owners.
Apart from that, Gooi said the Gat Lebuh Nordin Flats had been given a new coat of paint in the beginning of this year after the state government had provided an allocation of RM284,900.
“This year is very significant for the Gat Lebuh Noordin Flats residents as they will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the flats. The flats were completed in 1970.
“In conjunction with the flats’ Golden Jubilee celebration, the Pengkalan Kota service centre with the collaboration of City Eye are in the midst of collecting historical pictures of the flats to be displayed at the ‘Home Nordin Street Ghauts Flats’ exhibition.
“This initiative is intended to preserve the historical moments of the George Town. We welcome those who would like to contribute to our collections or share information.
“I would like to also congratulate Yeoh Soon Hin (PH-Paya Terubong) for organising an exhibition on Sia Boey and hope that more of such exhibitions could be held to preserve the historical value of George Town,’’ said Gooi.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter