A TOTAL cost of RM300,000 drainage upgrading project is currently underway along Pintasan Cecil 1 neighbourhood to improve the area’s ageing drainage system, which has not been upgraded for over 30 years.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said the project, implemented through funding from the Economic Affairs Ministry, involves the upgrading of about 70 metres of drainage along the residential stretch.
“This project includes the reconstruction of the main drains, installation of additional sumps to improve water flow and waste collection, and the replacement of concrete slabs in front of each house,” he said during a press conference at the site today.
Wong said the upgrading works were part of a joint effort between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to improve public infrastructure in the neighbourhood.
“Since road excavation is already being carried out for drainage works, we have requested PBAPP to replace the old water pipes simultaneously to avoid repeated digging later,” he said.
He added that PBAPP had agreed to replace the old iron and PVC pipes, which have been in use for about three decades, with new 50mm polyethylene pipes.
“This will prevent future water disruption and ensure better water quality. We appreciate the cooperation from PBAPP,“ he added.
Wong noted that the drainage project is progressing well, with 35% of work already completed, ahead of the original 15% schedule.
“The contractor has made good progress, allowing PBAPP to carry out pipe replacement works efficiently without delaying the overall timeline,” he said, adding that the project is expected to be completed by Dec 31.
Wong said the total allocation under the Economic Affairs Ministry for the upgrading of public housing and social infrastructure in the area amounted to RM300,000, with about RM60,000 of the remaining funds to be used for related maintenance and improvements in nearby areas.
“This is the second time we have received funding from the ministry to upgrade public housing areas in the constituency,” he said.
Apart from drainage improvements, Wong said the ongoing works also include road resurfacing and water pipe replacement.
“These efforts ensure that residents enjoy better infrastructure while reducing the risk of flooding or road damage in the future,” he said.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Choong You Ray, PBAPP Operation Department engineer Naresh Kumar Nadaraja and PDC (Pengurusan Harta) senior assistant manager Amran Ahmad.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En