A canopy for Chowrasta Road

(From right) Chow and Teh briefing Yap on the proposed canopy during a visit to the market in Chowrasta Road.

THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has proposed to erect a canopy along the 112m-long Chowrasta Road to provide shade for the 68 traders and marketgoers.

State Local Government chairman Chow Kon Yeow said they would get feedback from the roadside traders before deciding on the installation near the bustling Chowrasta Market Complex.

“We will conduct a survey to get the opinion from the traders at the site. The public can also provide their input via the MBPP website in regards to the installation.

“The canopy will not be a permanent structure.

“We are looking at a design where replacement can be made easily when necessary,” he said during a site visit to Chowrasta Market yesterday.

Chow was accompanied by MBPP officers and councillors who distributed copies of the survey forms to the traders.

A view of the shades put up haphazardly by the traders along Chowrasta Road and (right) an artist’s impression of the proposed canopy.

Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said that despite the market undergoing a RM13mil facelift, said there were still areas in Chowrasta Market that needed upgrading.

“Some traders and marketgoers have complained that the hot weather is unbearable and suggested for a canopy to be built.

“Since we are here for a tour, I feel it is a good opportunity to give out survey forms so that we can proceed with the proposal,” he said.

Yap Hock Bee, 56, who sells roasted Chinese chestnuts at his stall from 10am to 10pm, welcomed the proposal.

“We have to ply our trade be it rain or shine.

“We need the canopy to shield us from the heat and sun,” he said.

Another trader Ch’ng Poh Hong, 55, who sells footwear, said the construction of a canopy would save her from getting her own.

“I usually need four canopies, and each one costs me RM150. It is costly as I need to replace them every year.

“The weather is unpredictable and it can be really hot at times. If the council is willing to provide us shade, it is more conducive and convenient for us to carry out business here,” she said,

The survey can be found at http://www.mbpp.gov.my/ms/kaji-selidik-bagi-cadangan-memasang-kanopi-di-jalan-chowrasta-george-town-pulau-pinang until Aug 20.