THE Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu bypass edges closer to completion, with Penang disclosing that 92.46 per cent of the construction phase is done.
As of last month, there is a 92.46 percent completion rate, although the financial payout to the contractor and project delivery partner is only 81.69 per cent finalised, said state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari.
"The project is not paid through cash sales, but through land swaps, so we need to ready the necessary land to be accorded to the delivery partner - Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd," said Zairil in a statement.
The project's landbank cost is RM695.977 million, of which the consortium is seeking the same figure through land swaps, said Zairil.
For now, the state has surrendered a landbank total of 11,6183 acres or RM427.657 million with the remainder of RM225.768 million as the shortfall.
The consortium has asked Penang to monetise land sales to help it with its cash flow needs so the project can be fully completed by April next year, he said.
"Penang has agreed to conduct a public auction of a land site as part of the consortium's claim. It is a prime land location of six acres at PT858 (Plot 7A) under Section 2 of the Tanjung Pinang Township (off Gurney Drive)."
Zairil revealed that the state will auction the plot from Wednesday at 11 am.
The land is located next to Gurney Bay and the (reclaimed) Andaman Island, with the reserve prices going at RM313.632 million as starters.
The sale proceeds from the land would be shared between the state government and the consortium.
Those who need to participate in the bidding can do so by liaising at the state office on Level 51, in the Komtar administrative complex.
The infrastructure is one of several key projects, which are designed to alleviate the worsening congestion on the island.
It will be the first elevated highway to be completed, with two more - the Tanjung Bungah - Teluk Bahang link highway and the Gurney Drive - Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway as the other two bypasses proposed.
Besides that, Penang is also witnessing an unprecedented range of infrastructure projects to be completed - there is ongoing construction for the Mutiara Light Railway Transit project, the Silicon Island reclamation and in Prai, the upgrading of the Juru - Sungai Dua highway stretch in the North - South Expressway.
The projects mean that Penang will witness many construction projects taking place along the public roads and social amenities in the state. - September 7, 2026.
