GEORGE TOWN: Residents living in high-rise apartments along Jalan Gangsa where a major road project is being constructed are constantly watching out for landslides following a big downpour here.
“I would be lying if I were to say that I am not anxious about this,” said a retiree who wanted to be known only as “Uncle Lim”.
He said he woke up at 5am yesterday and the rain was still lashing down.
“There are major earthworks being carried out on top the hill, just about a few hundred metres from my apartment.
“You can see boulders at the site, although some have been covered by canvas,” he said.
Another resident, LS Tan, 54, said her eyes were fixed on the work site where an excavator was left overnight.
“We have not had such heavy rain for some time that lasted so long. I was quite terrified.
“Today, everything passed without any incident, but we will continue to stay alert in the coming days as the weather is forecast to be wet again,” she said.
The road project – the Package Two Bypass linking Ayer Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (5.7km) – is expected to be completed in 2025.
The toll-free Package Two bypass will stretch 1.8km at ground level, with other parts elevated.
There are viaduct structures (65%), tunnels (20%) and grade sections (15%) on this road.
Once completed, the project can reduce travel time and bring long-term benefits to Penang residents, especially the 300,000 living in Ayer Itam, Bandar Baru Ayer Itam and the adjoining Paya Terubong.
Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said a minor landslide was reported in Pintasan Pemancar 2 in Taman Tun Sardon.
“It happened at about 4.30am following a downpour. All the affected residents will be moved to a temporary relief centre.
“The Penang Island City Council Civil Engineering and Drainage Department will conduct a check on the affected sites and take the necessary mitigating measures,” she said at the site.
