GEORGE TOWN: The ongoing Gurney Wharf reclamation project, here, has been singled out as a good example of how the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project could be implemented.
State Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he was aware of objections against the implementation of the PSR, which would see the creation of three man-made islands measuring some 1,800ha in the southern part of the island.
He pointed to the Gurney Wharf project as proof that it could still be done.
“This is an example that reclamation can be done in a controlled manner, while adhering to the rules and regulations imposed.
“Of course this (Gurney Wharf) is not large scale (compared to PSR) but it can be done and has been done here,” he said during a visit to the Gurney Wharf project today.
The PSR reclamation project is intended to fund the RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
Recently, the PSR’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was approved by the Environment Department (DoE) with 72 conditions.
The New Straits Times on Saturday reported that environmentalists and fishermen were opposed to the PSR as they believed that it could be detrimental to the environment in the long run.
It was reported that disasters could occur at newly reclaimed areas within 20 and 40 years of their completion.
However, geo-technical engineering specialists had allayed concerns over the reclamation works, particularly the PSR project, as it would follow modern engineering designs and international best practices.
Jagdeep said the reclamation works for the 53ha Gurney Wharf were 94 per cent complete and were scheduled for completion by Sept.
The 16.18ha of reclaimed land will be handed to the state government to be developed, and will include public amenities such as a man-made beach, wetlands and a skate park.
Jagdeep said a water taxi pier could be constructed on the land for future projects.
“The idea of having a water taxi was mooted years before and mentioned as part of the PTMP, but the problem is we were unable to get a licence from the Federal Government at the time.
“Now, we hope to get the licence. Apart from it being a mode of transport connecting directly to Butterworth, it can also be promoted as a tourism product,” he added.
After the Gurney Wharf land is handed over to the state government, tenders will called for development projects estimated to cost RM180 million to be financed by the state government.
The projects are expected to be completed 24 months after the agreement is inked.
While the development is ongoing, another 6.47ha is expected to be reclaimed at the originally planned cloverleaf design road which was scrapped and replaced with a straight road.
“There are two water bodies at that site, hence we decided to reclaim it as well.
“The appointed consultant will apply for the EIA for that.
“This work will be carried out simultaneously while the development works begin on the reclaimed land,” said Jagdeep.