GEORGE TOWN – Penang has insisted that the proposed dual highway linking the Air Itam township with the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway here is proceeding normally despite the termination of the main contractor.
Responding to claims by Penang Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong that the project under Package 2 was likely terminated, state infrastructure exco Zairil Khir Johari said that delivery partner Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd (CZC) had been working on the site since last year.
The DAP rep confirmed in a press statement that there was a mutual termination of the services of Buildmarque Construction Sdn Bhd, public-listed Vertice Bhd, and Vizione Holdings Bhd, who had formed a joint venture to undertake the job.
With their termination, work was assumed by CZC.
It was reported that the consortium was bought over by Sg Petani-based developer ECK Development Sdn Bhd last year.
As the majority owner of the consortium, ECK is also reportedly facing challenges at the labour tribunal court for the alleged illegal termination of workers.
Zairil explained that in 2019, the main contracting work was awarded to Buildmarque and Vertice, as well as Vizione.
At the time of the agreement, there were certain terms and conditions the contractor had to fulfil, but failed to do so.
Hence, CZC terminated the contract and decided to execute the work on its own.
“There is no prospect of cancelling the project (Package 2) linking Air Itam with the expressway,” said the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman.
Zairil said that Oh as a seasoned politician should have known the facts, but chose to twist the matter to confuse the people here.
Package 2 is part of three packages awarded to CZC, as part of the mammoth Penang Undersea Tunnel connecting Gurney Drive with Bagan Ajam in Butterworth.
The other two packages link Gurney Drive with the expressway (Package 1), and Tanjung Bungah with Teluk Bahang via a sophisticated highway (Package 3).
There are claims that Package 3 may not be constructed due to hilly terrain, and needs to be replaced with another route.
The expressway is regarded as one of the country’s busiest roads due to the high daily volume of traffic between the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone and the administrative and commercial enclave in George Town. – The Vibes, December 30, 2021.
