FMT:
Don’t protect errant contractors, civil servants, Guan Eng tells Penang CM
The former CM says immediate structural issues were reportedly observed during the opening of Phase 1 of the Gurney Bay project.
Lim Guan Eng (left) has told Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow (right) to prioritise public safety over protecting negligent contractors and civil servants. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has urged Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow not to shield errant contractors and civil servants who fail in their monitoring and supervision duties.
Despite only RM58 million being paid to the contractor for Phase 1 of the Gurney Bay project, Lim said there were already problems, such as damaged structures and broken equipment, on the first day of its opening.
“But if work done can be damaged and broken immediately upon completion after RM58 million has been spent on Phase 1, how much confidence can we place in the contractor to do the remaining works of RM189 million in a fit and proper manner?” he said in a Facebook post.
“How was a contractor with such poor performance able to get appointed in the first place for such a major project costing RM247 million?”
Lim’s comments followed reports of immediate structural issues observed during the opening of Phase 1 of the Gurney Bay project.
Phase 1 of Gurney Bay, covering 11.2ha, boasts a viewing deck, playground, skate park, kiosks, toilets and open-air car parks, with a promenade around the park next to the sea.
The Star reported Chow, who was present at the project’s opening, as saying that work under Phase 2 was currently at 40% and expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Phase 2, which covers 29.98ha, will include a hawker centre, a multi-level car park, a vantage point, toilets, a water taxi jetty, beach, boardwalk and water garden.
Lim, Chow’s predecessor, said while the contractor was responsible for defects during a two-year damage liability period, this did not absolve them of poor workmanship or negligence.
“Fortunately, no children were injured by the broken ropes in the children’s playground. Imagine the trauma if children sustained injuries due to broken ropes,” he said.
He also urged the government to prioritise the public’s interests over shielding irresponsible contractors or civil servants.
“The government has no business letting off either contractors or government servants who allow equipment to be damaged or materials to be broken on the first day they are open to the public. This is unacceptable.”
PETALING JAYA: Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has urged Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow not to shield errant contractors and civil servants who fail in their monitoring and supervision duties.
Despite only RM58 million being paid to the contractor for Phase 1 of the Gurney Bay project, Lim said there were already problems, such as damaged structures and broken equipment, on the first day of its opening.
“But if work done can be damaged and broken immediately upon completion after RM58 million has been spent on Phase 1, how much confidence can we place in the contractor to do the remaining works of RM189 million in a fit and proper manner?” he said in a Facebook post.
“How was a contractor with such poor performance able to get appointed in the first place for such a major project costing RM247 million?”
Lim’s comments followed reports of immediate structural issues observed during the opening of Phase 1 of the Gurney Bay project.
Phase 1 of Gurney Bay, covering 11.2ha, boasts a viewing deck, playground, skate park, kiosks, toilets and open-air car parks, with a promenade around the park next to the sea.
The Star reported Chow, who was present at the project’s opening, as saying that work under Phase 2 was currently at 40% and expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Phase 2, which covers 29.98ha, will include a hawker centre, a multi-level car park, a vantage point, toilets, a water taxi jetty, beach, boardwalk and water garden.
Lim, Chow’s predecessor, said while the contractor was responsible for defects during a two-year damage liability period, this did not absolve them of poor workmanship or negligence.
“Fortunately, no children were injured by the broken ropes in the children’s playground. Imagine the trauma if children sustained injuries due to broken ropes,” he said.
He also urged the government to prioritise the public’s interests over shielding irresponsible contractors or civil servants.
“The government has no business letting off either contractors or government servants who allow equipment to be damaged or materials to be broken on the first day they are open to the public. This is unacceptable.”
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