THE controversial RM850 million elevated bypass project linking Air Itam to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway was slapped with a stop-work order from the local authority, a day after Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan filed a complaint about the developer.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) ordered Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd to stop work site pending investigation into the complaint.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the order was issued today.
"The order was issued because the contractor worked on public holidays. They were supposed to only conduct mitigation work at the site, but they did more than what was required," Zairil said.
Tan had accused the developer of causing a nuisance to the local residents.
"The company's disregard for proper communication protocols is unacceptable and has led to severe inconveniences for our community," she said.
Tan urged the Penang Infrastructure Corporation, which oversees the construction project, to enhance its monitoring system and ensure strict compliance with regulations.
Consortium Zenith Construction is also the project delivery partner for the cross channel undersea tunnel connecting Gurney Drive on the island and Began Ajam in Prai.
The bypasses, under the RM42 million Penang Transport Master Plan, are expected to significantly ease traffic flow on the island.
Island Glades residents had previously complained about the Air Itam bypass project. Some claim to have been injured by falling debris from the construction site.
The Penang Forum had in the past warned against the project, saying its elevated angle and criss-crossing through a hill could undermine soil security.
The project is expected to cut the travel time between Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway from 40 to under 10 minutes.
Last weekend, some residents had blamed a flash flood in the Thean Teik Highway in Air Itam on the construction of the bypass. – May 22, 2024.
