THE Local Government Development Ministry announced not one but two pieces of good news in Penang today.
It has approved two allocations, each for the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam market (RM24 million), and the upgrading and repair works at eligible flats in the state (RM16 million). The allocations amounted to RM40 million.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said the construction works of the Bukit Mertajam market are expected to begin this year and are due for completion in 2026. He said that during his visit to the market earlier.
The estimated cost for the Bukit Mertajam market project was RM24 million.
It is understood that RM1 million was allocated earlier for the initial works. The remaining RM23 million allocation for the market project was announced today.
The Bukit Mertajam market project is divided into five components – the redevelopment of the marketplace at RM8 million, the multi-storey carpark (RM8.5 million), the infrastructure upgrade (RM5 million), the temporary marketplace (RM500,000) and the Bukit Mertajam creative centre (RM1 million).
The old Bukit Mertajam market, which was built in the 1960s, caught fire in February 2014 and is currently in disrepair.
“I believe the Bukit Mertajam market redevelopment project is a dream come true for the residents of Bukit Mertajam, especially for some 240,000 market-goers,” Nga told a press conference after officiating the upgraded back lane which connects Armenian Street to Ah Quee Street in George Town today.
Nga also announced an allocation of RM16 million for the repair and upgrading works at eligible flats in Penang.
Meanwhile, about the upgraded back lane project which connects Armenian Street to Ah Quee Street in George Town, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state is embarking on many efforts to transform Penang into a green and smart state.
“One of them is to ensure that back lanes, especially those within the Unesco World Heritage Sites enclave, are upgraded and made into tourist attraction spots.
“We want to remove the negative stigma that people have towards the back or side lanes. These lanes are not sidelined.
“We want to make these places colourful, safe and green where people can walk leisurely and enjoy their time.
“We thank the Local Government Development Ministry and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for playing a crucial part in this upgrading project,” Chow said during his speech.
It is understood that a total of RM125,000 was spent by the ministry to upgrade the back lane, spanning 135 metres, connecting Armenian Street to Ah Quee Street in George Town.
Some of the works include the installation of lights, landscape, re-constructing the drains and others.
Meanwhile, in a related development, Chow hoped other ministries under the current unity government would take heed of other issues and needs of Penang.
“I have asked my administration to take a proactive approach to engage with the ministries so that we can open a direct line with the ministers to cater to the needs of Penang.
“This is a good start, and we look forward to more good things happening here in Penang,” Chow added.
Also present were state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and MBPP secretary Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar and Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Siew Chia En