GEORGE TOWN – Geological fault lines have been discovered at certain sections of the hilly area over which the Bukit Kukus Highway on the island is being constructed, contributing to delays in the project’s completion.
It is estimated that the fault lines, found after some hill cutting was done, have led the project to only be ready in October this year.
It was originally supposed to have been completed by May.
The highway is meant to link Lebuh Bukit Jambul to Jalan Tun Sardon and Jalan Paya Terubong in the interior of the island.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and transport Zairil Khir Johari said that the movement control order has also contributed to the delay.
He told a press conference yesterday that necessary works are being undertaken, including slope repairs and protection works, construction of retaining wall and installation of a T-beam on the “main line”.
He explained that geologists who had surveyed the soil and rocks at the hill-cutting stage determined that certain redesigning had to be done at a few sections for safety reasons.
“These issues would not have been known until the cutting of the slope was completed – even if you did soil investigation beforehand, which was done. That is why part of the scope of the project is to send in geologists,” he said.
He said the consultant had to redesign and move the highway alignment in the affected areas for safety reasons, and construction is ongoing again.
This affected part of the highway, which is to have two segments, is now estimated for launch on October 23. It is part of the whole project covering more than 5km.
According to Zairil, the completion cannot be determined because the two segments are being done by private developers who are currently affected by cash flow issues.
The whole highway is jointly undertaken by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) (2.8km), Geo Valley Sdn Bhd (800m), and PLB Land Sdn Bhd (1.4km).
The PLB Land and Geo Valley sections have encountered delays. The PLB construction is currently 30% complete and the Geo Valley portion is 12% complete.
To navigate these delays, an additional RM4 million link road is being built to allow those using the MBPP section of the highway to connect to Jalan Paya Terubong.
Zairil stressed that the total expenditure is still within the stipulated budget despite the additional link road.
“It is quite a fantastic project and very challenging at the same time because of the rocks. But everything is being done properly and as far as the council is concerned, everything is on time.”
He said the delay could not have been predicted or avoided.
According to consultant engineer GEA (M) Sdn Bhd, whose representative only wanted to be known as Koo, the project is being executed with diligence though there are many challenges, especially when it involves big boulders.
“We had to do rock blasting, but we cannot do it during the MCO period. We also needed the blasts to be very controlled as there are residents further down the road.
“So we had to be even more controlled in an already controlled situation. To do this project properly and safely will take time,” he said.
The overall project progress is at 94.83%, compared with 95.11% as scheduled.
Once completed, this highway will qualify for the Malaysia Book of Records as having the tallest highway pier at 60m from the pile cap or foundation on the ground. – The Vibes, April 9, 2021
