THE administrative and commercial capital of Penang would be transformed into a garden city by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) if there is a buy-in from the ratepayers to help ease the global warming effects the state is facing.
Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, who is also the MBPP president, said the state plans to grow at least a million trees of which the bulk should come from within the city centre.
This will also allow more pedestrian access to the city centre instead of vehicles which tend to generate a higher carbon discharge.
To achieve this, MBPP will be encouraging all traders and enterprises operating in George Town to grow or keep plants by their five - foot way lanes.
Trees and plants would adorn every section of the cityscape and become a common feature here, said Rajendran.
MBPP is also gradually changing the tiles in the side lanes and five foot ways to allow water to seep in so it would not be too hot and humid to walk on.
To avoid the emission of carbon, Rajendran is also studying ways to provide incentives for road users to car pool and to rely on public transport to commute.
He also wants more residents in housing estates and high-rise living to embrace the concept of greening their habitats to prepare for the worst in climate change.
With rising temperatures and its effect on water supply, Rajendran said that there is a need for the ratepayers to adjust with the extreme end of the weather.
Despite the heatwave, Rajendran reminded ratepayers of the need to reduce the carbon footprint and one best way is to grow more trees and keep more plants.
On another matter, Rajendran disclosed that MBPP is pleased to see many ratepayers coming forward to settle their car parking arrears with the council.
For the period of May 1 and 2, the road users here paid up to RM763,075 worth of compounds because of the 50 percent discount accorded.
From this month, the council will have a new car park compound structure for its lots.
Within a day of settling it is RM20, within 30 - days, it is RM40, 60 days it is RM80 and over 60 - days it is RM120. – The Vibes, May 9, 2024.
