THE Sungai Pinang Flood Mitigation project (RTB Sungai Pinang) is currently progressing well, says state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.
Jagdeep said the project is now waiting for the approval from Finance Ministry’s tender board.
“We had earlier tendered phase 1 of the RTB Sungai Pinang project on Sept 20 this year.
“And the latest status of the project is that we are now waiting for the approval from Finance Ministry’s tender board.
“It is hoped that it can be done quickly,” Jagdeep said during a press conference at Lorong Kulit this morning.
Jagdeep said the phase 1 of RTB Sungai Pinang (from Jalan Jelutong to Kampung Rawa) involves the upgrading of the Sungai Pinang (1.4 km) and the upgrading of five bridges.
Both phase 1 and phase 2 of RTB Sungai Pinang project will involve a total of 5km-long of Sungai Pinang.
“In March next year, we will be receiving the tender acceptance letter for phase 1 of RTB Sungai Pinang.
“It is hoped that phase 2 of the project can also be expedited.
“The project (RTB Sungai Pinang) will also involve the upgrading of five bridges which are at Jalan Patani, Jalan Datuk Keramat, Jalan Langkawi, Lorong Kulit and Jalan Perak.
“The upgrading of the bridges is for the convenience of the public,” Jagdeep said, while adding that the Sungai Pinang would be deepened as well as widened.
Jagdeep expressed hopes that the rivers as well as the bridges involved in the project be turned into tourism products.
“We want it to be done in such an iconic manner for the people of Penang.
“I am confident that with the newly-formed Federal government, we can work together to complete the RTB Sungai Pinang project as soon as possible,” he added.
According to Jagdeep, the RTB Sungai Pinang project is the biggest flood mitigation project with a cost of RM600 million.
Jagdeep also said that the project will also include work to improve the quality of water at Sungai Pinang basin.
Meanwhile, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary Datuk A. Rajendran said the MBPP has spent a total of RM5.4 million on the flood mitigation projects at Jalan P. Ramlee.
“Since, 2018, we have carried out a total of five flood mitigation projects here at Jalan P. Ramlee.
“With the implementation of these projects, we hope that they can help to rectify the short and mid-term problems (flood issues).
“However, we are also hoping for the long-term flood mitigation projects (RTB Sungai Pinang) to be done as soon as possible” Rajendran said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of YB Jagdeep’s office