Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Penang mulls developer fund to fix hillslope projects - Star

Dec 17, 2008 By K. KASTURI DEWI

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will consider asking developers of hillslope projects to set up a fund to tackle remedial works which arise after their projects are completed.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state will hold discussions with developers to come out with a formula on the setting up of such a fund.

“This fund will be specially set up for the treatment and remedial works of hillslope projects.

“Such a fund is necessary because of cases where a problem arises after a project is completed and OC (Occupation Certificate) is obtained but the developer cannot be traced to do the remedial works,” he told reporters at a press conference after the opening of the Pacific Komtar Departmental Store in Komtar Wednesday.

He said this when asked to comment on the Selangor government’s proposal to impose higher assessment rates or a levy on hillside property.

It was reported that Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the assessment collected would be used to monitor and maintain sensitive areas and also as a relief effort for those living in low-lying areas who are affected by hillslope development.

Lim indicated that he wanted the fund to be of substantial amount to tackle any problems that arose and also to drive home a message to developers that the state was serious in ensuring that any future hillslope projects were “really safe.”

Earlier in his speech, Lim said Penang expected 3.5 million tourist arrivals next year with anticipated earnings of RM1.4bil.

No comments: