Phase 1 of Taman Gurney Bay in Georgetown, Penang, opened to the public on Sunday (February 4) and as of yesterday (February 5), there has already been damage to the spaces around the park.
From the playground to apparent cracks in the wall, it only took a day before the damages appeared.
DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng took to his Twitter account to showcase some of the damages and questioned how a multimillion Ringgit project could come out with such low quality.
He wrote, “Damaged as soon as it was completed? Not only were the ropes on the playground equipment reportedly damaged, but the concrete structures was also reported to have cracked during the opening of Phase 1 Taman Gurney Bay that was newly opened to the public.”
“It is fortunate that the parties involved acted after complaints was submitted, but the questions about the quality of the work could not be avoided.”
He went on to share that the costs of the construction of Gurney Bay, a whopping RM247 million.
“Phase 1 of the Taman Gurney Bay project involves a cost of RM247 million, complete with a concrete wall design that raises doubts and question marks about the original planning, design, monitoring of results and also the quality of work.”
“The value of RM247 million spent should lead to a recreational park of international standards.”
While Lim stated that the RM247 million was for Phase 1 of Taman Gurney Bay, the Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow clarified that the amount covers the entire project.
“Phase 1 of Gurney Bay does not involve a costs of RM247 million as claimed. The RM247 million is the full cost of the Gurney Bay project (including Phase 1 and Phase 2). As of December 31, 2023, the State Government has only paid RM58 million for the works that have been completed. The RM247 million will only be spend when all project components are completed in 2026.”
“Regarding the damages on site, the contractor is responsible for 2 years under the terms of the Damage Liability Period,” he shared in a statement.
Though, despite his explanation, some Malaysians still believe the amount spent on Phase 1 of Taman Gurney Bay does not translate to the quality of the work.
What do you think? With RM58 million put into the completion of Phase 1 of Taman Gurney Bay, shouldn’t the quality of the work be better than most?
Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.