Penang Watch

The sightseeing twin-platforms along Penang's 2nd Bridge: All the suspect sculptured `pearls' and Pinang trees are there....Just when the PM Badawi remind the contractors not to cause costs over-run and not to delay the project delivery -supposed to be by 2011, there is a likely 1st glimpse of the cost inflation caused by suspect crony projects planned at the 2 viewing plaforms along the 2nd Bridge. According to news report (appended) there will be sculptured pearls and pinang trees on these platforms !

Penangites would be reminded on how they rejected similar fake creations by the Councils which cost over Rm300 000.00 each of real Ringgit of tax payers' money ! Why does the UEM contractor want to include such superfluous and unpopular budget items into the already mammoth construction budget ? Didn't they learn how people would reject such aesthetic `eye-sore' as happened in Penang and elsewhere ? Objections of such obnoxious `designs' had caused them to be dismantled later !

Another thought of the viewing platforms : while such superflous appendage can be questioned on many grounds -no less on budgetary ones, there is a more transport factor to consider : what if many vehicles want to stop at the midspan of the bridge for sigtseeing purpose -would there be traffic jams when the vehicle arrive and leave the platforms ? Would there be enough parking on the platforms ? If there are no sufficient solutions for these issues are the contractors not digging their own grave ?

By: Ong BK

November 12, 2006 17:23 PM

PM: Ensure No Delay Or Cost Overrun In Second Penang Bridge

NIBONG TEBAL, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- Contractors, big or small, and sub-contractors of the Second Penang Bridge must work efficiently and effectively to ensure that there is no delay or cost overrun in the RM3 billion project, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

"We want construction work on the bridge to be completed within the time stipulated. All contractors big and small must do their best and ensure they can carry out the job efficiently and effectively."

"I am sure you can do it. That is the promise you (Datuk Abu Hassan Kendut) gave me just now publicly," said Abdullah referring to Abu Hassan, chairman of UEM Bhd, a government-linked corporation under Khazanah Nasional, which will build the bridge.

The bridge to be ready for public use in January 2011 must be strong as well as beautiful, he said.

The 24-kilometre bridge would have two viewing platforms above the sea level that will feature pearls and sculpted eraca palm or `pinang' trees in its design.

"The project should not be delayed because of weaknesses on the part of the sub-contractors. Please ensure that the bridge is constructed within the budget stipulated without any cost overrun," he said at the ground-breaking ceremony of the second bridge at Batu Kawan, near here.

Also present were Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Effendi Norwawi and Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.

As for the state government, Abdullah said it should ensure that any decision regarding the bridge must be on a fast track basis.

"Delays incur a lot of money. Delays will cause losses and higher construction cost. Especially funds for the project which were borrowed from financial institutions which carry a rather high interest rate," said Abdullah who is also the Finance Minister.

"I will monitor (the project). I come back to Penang quite often. Each time I come to Penang, I will visit the site to see what is happening."

He also said that manpower needed for the project must be trained and developed much earlier even though the actual work for the project would take a year or so after piling work.

UEM is entering into an understanding with the Ministry of Higher Education for enhancement of the Community College nationwide.

"We see this project as a major initiative to play our role in the development of knowledgeable workers and human capital development. In this aspect, we have already launched the UEM Young Executive Scheme (UEM YES) where at least 200 young engineers and technical professionals will gain first-hand experience working on the project," said Abu Hassan in a speech.

In a further effort to help develop human and intellectual capital in the country, a UEM Chair for the Faculty of Civil Engineering in the Field of Construction Management at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) has been established, he said.

This initiative involved sponsorship of RM1 million and is the first identified under an industry-university collaboration effort between the UEM Group and UiTM.

Abu Hassan said the Penang Second Bridge would also introduce Vendor Development Programmes particularly for Bumiputera vendors, especially those from Penang.

He also said that these early and pro-active efforts would enable UEM Group to develop the project through as much local involvement as possible.

"As it stands, UEM Group aims to see utilisation of local consultants and contractors for at least 60 percent of the construction costs of this project, therein allowing them the opportunity to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience in order to achieve international standards."

-- BERNAMA