BY R. SEKARAN
A view of a backlane near Gama linking Jalan Gurdwara and Jalan Magazine that falls under the first zone of the proposed backlane project. Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/ The Star
DIRTY and poorly lit backlanes that are constantly littered with heaps of rubbish in the heart of George Town could soon be a thing of the past.
Plans are afoot by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to beautify these areas and create a passage for cyclists and pedestrians who presently have to compete for space on the main roads.
MBPP secretary Yew Tung Seang said they were planning to ‘transform’ several backlanes here so that cyclists could enjoy a continuous ride from Gama Supermarket and Departmental Store in Jalan Gurdwara to City Hall in Esplanade.
He said the proposed plan would be pedestrian-friendly and allow small eateries and food trucks to set up their businesses there.
“We want to upgrade these passage ways so the cyclists and pedestrians need not have to weave through traffic on the busy roads.
“The backlanes will be well lit, safe and secure,” he said during a forum at the auditorium of Komtar on Monday.
An artist’s impression showing the before and after transformation of a backlane displayed at the forum held by the city council to gather stakeholders’ views on the proposed project to upgrade backlanes in George Town.
“Residents whose backyards will be affected by the project are also welcome to take part in the beautification process and give us their input,” he added.
The forum was meant to gauge the response and feedback from some 50 residents on the proposed upgrading project.
Yew said three zones involving several backlanes had been planned for the project.
The first zone involves backlanes that connect Jalan Gurdwara to Jalan Magazine.
The second stretch covers the alleys that connect Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong-Jalan Cheong Fatt Tze-Lebuh Carnarvon.
The third section encompasses the backlanes that connect Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong-Lebuh Keng Kwee-Lebuh Kimberley-Lebuh Tamil.
Yew said the upgrading was also to promote George Town as a liveable garden city.
“We need the green light from the stakeholders, mainly the residents staying in the area, before proceeding with the project.
A map showing the three backlane zones (red outline), main cycling routes (green outline) from Gama (bottom left) to City Hall at the Esplanade (top right). The bicycle icons show the locations of the LinkBike bike-sharing stations in George Town.
“It will be a major project where the timeline and cost could only be determined once we have finalised the details after getting feedback from the stakeholders,” he said.
Yew said those who would be affected by the project could send in their feedback online at http://www.mbpp.gov.my.
Earlier, a taxi driver created a scene when he demanded Yew to pen down his signature on the former’s letter of attendance.
Lim Eng Chew, 49, who lives in Jalan Cheong Fatt Tze, was upset that his letter was only stamped but not signed by Yew.
“Since you sent me a letter asking me to attend, you must sign this because I want it to be validated,” he said.
He also berated at Yew in Hokkien for coming up with the proposal, saying he should set his priorities right.
“There were cases when firemen had a tough time coming into this area during a fire.
“Now you want to beautify the backlanes? Did the fire and rescue department know about this?” he yelled in Hokkien.
Several council men then whisked him out from the hall.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Penang Island City councillor Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik.
Teh said the issue raised by Lim could be settled easily.
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