Penang govt questioned on progress of restoration of derelict buildings

Penang Gerakan Youth today questioned the DAP-led state government on the progress of restoration of derelict buildings along Victoria Street and Kimberly Street, here.

Its assistant secretary, Loh Kit Mun said the state government had made promises to restore these buildings and transform them into a centre for traditional trades and the creative industry by the end of this year.

"On June 6, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that Penang Development Corporation (PDC) would spend RM9.7 million on restoration of derelict buildings located along Victoria Street.

"On Feb 7, 2015 the Penang state government had also promised to restore six pre-war houses along Kimberly Street to house those traditional trades so as to continue their business but to this day, we have not seen any progress there," he told a press conference, here, today.

He said until now they did not know whether the restoration plan had been postponed or cancelled as they had yet to receive any updates or news on the progress of this project.

Loh said the state government had promised to transform the building along Victoria Street, off Acheh Street, into a centre for traditional trades and the creative industry, and would call for open tender in July, this year.

"Almost six months have past, there is no update on the matter or project, either from the Penang state government or PDC," he said.

"There are traditional industry traders waiting to move into the buildings and continue their business there.

"It is not enough to just organise cultural festivals and events, but the state government needs to have concrete plans and proposals to retain and cherish the traditional trades," he added. - BERNAMA