Safety aspects considered when building Penang Esplanade's lower walkway, says MBPP

All safety aspects considered when building Penang Esplanade's lower walkway, says MBPP

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang City Council (MBPP) took into account safety aspects during the construction of the breakwater and the new Esplanade seawall, including the lower walkway, which was closed when the high tide occurred on Monday (May 16).

MBPP Mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said apart from that, the lower walkway was specifically designed to allow sea water to pass through the area as an attraction to the public, with measures taken to ensure it did not pose a danger to the public.

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"MBPP wishes to emphasise that the project also takes into account elements of heritage conservation, which is important for George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

"The council also installed closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area to monitor visitors and sea water conditions.

"We also have a gate at the entrance to the lower walkway and the access gate is closed from 9pm to 7am every day and it will also be closed in the event of unpredictable and severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms and strong winds, " he told reporters after inspecting the area here Wednesday (May 18).

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Yew visited the area today following Monday's incident where the area was submerged in sea water, sparking public controversy over safety issues there.

According to Yew, the incident at the lower walkway was expected, especially during the spring tide and high tide, such as what happened on Monday and Tuesday (May 17).

"There is no issue of design defects.

"The weather, tidal phenomena and other factors have been taken into account and considered carefully before work on the project was carried out,” he added.

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He said the lower walkway was also built to preserve the historical and heritage features of the wall that was originally built in the 1800s.

The project, which cost RM12.9mil, is an initiative to upgrade the area to provide quality public space that is acceptable, attractive and inclusive for all parties.

It included the 570m promenade from Medan Selera Renong to the Royal Malaysian Navy base. - Bernama