GEORGE TOWN: A state DAP assemblyman has told the Penang government to prioritise the welfare of the people and take decisive action against any entity that jeopardises their safety and comfort.
Seri Delima's Connie Tan Hooi Peng said this when she expressed her disappointment with Consortium Zenith Construction Sdn Bhd for the alleged constant nuisance they are causing to the people over the construction work of the 'Package 2' project.
Tan claimed that despite numerous attempts to engage with Consortium Zenith for better coordination and updates, their requests have been met with inaction.
"The company's disregard for proper communication protocols is unacceptable and has led to severe inconveniences for the community.
"Furthermore, Consortium Zenith has been carrying out construction work beyond permissible hours, including Sundays and public holidays. Just on Monday, construction activities extended until 12.30am, depriving residents of their well-deserved rest.
"This continuous disturbance, especially during late hours, is a direct violation of the residents' rights to peace and rest. The well-being of our community is paramount, and I will continue to fight for the rights and comfort of our residents," she said.
She claimed that there have been occasions where the construction work has caused damage to nearby condominiums and resulted in muddy floods, exacerbating the distress faced by the residents.
It was reported that rock blasting activities at the project site for the bypass from the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to Air Itam had resulted in some damage to the Jay Series Apartment here last month.
The damage was reported to cars, a swimming pool and the awning at the resting area of the apartment.
Tan said that the impact on the residents' quality of life was profound.
"I call upon Consortium Zenith to immediately cease all overtime construction activities and strictly adhere to the prescribed working hours.
"It is imperative that Consortium Zenith respects the rights of our residents and operates within the legal and ethical boundaries set forth by local regulations.
"Moreover, I urge the Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) to enhance its monitoring system for construction projects and ensure strict compliance with regulations.
"Should Consortium Zenith continue to fail in adhering to these guidelines, we strongly advocate for the imposition of a stop-work order or even replacing them with a competent contractor who meets the specifications," she said, adding that emergency mitigation work is not an excuse.
The New Straits Times (NST) has reached out to Consortium Zenith for comment, but they have yet to respond.
The NST reported in March last year that more than 3,500 residents of the Jay Series and Kingfisher Series Apartments at Greenlane Heights were living in fear of possible mud floods and landslides due to massive slope clearing behind their blocks for a highway project.
Noise and dust pollution aside, the residents were having sleepless nights, worrying that large boulders on the precarious slope might roll down anytime, especially when it rains heavily and continuously.
The bypass from Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway to Air Itam is one of the projects under the Major Roads and Third Link Components (PMRT) and the PTMP which started since 2021 for Section 1 and in 2022 for Sections 2 to 6.
Once completed, the 5.7km-toll-free road connecting Bandar Baharu Air Itam and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway will shorten travel time from 40 minutes to around five minutes.