Penang Watch

Cracking crediblity of MPPP to stop conventional piling which is destructive to pre-war houses around?
This is not the first time that cracks occur in pre-war houses around construction site where piling is done-specifically using conventional `hammer piling' method. There has been call to make `micro-piling' mandatory-but it seems that the `leaky' MPPP is still allowing the destructive conventional piling using older equipments. Whose fault is it then when the cracks in the buildings cause collapse in the pre-war houses? The MPPP must stop the piling or take full responsiblity should any mishaps were to occur!

NST Online » Local News
2008/05/24
Residents live in fear after their walls start cracking
By : Phuah Ken Lin

Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik examining the wall crack in one of the shophouses along Jalan Kuantan yesterday. The crack, due to contstant adjacent piling work, was so deep that Ng could insert half his hand into the wall.
Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik examining the wall crack in one of the shophouses along Jalan Kuantan yesterday. The crack, due to contstant adjacent piling work, was so deep that Ng could insert half his hand into the wall.

GEORGE TOWN: About 150 residents in Jalan Kuantan here are living in fear after large cracks appeared in their pre-war houses and shoplots.
The cracks, which first appeared in early January, are growing larger by the day and the residents fear the buildings will collapse soon.

The residents believe work at a nearby construction site is responsible for the cracks and called on the Penang Island Municipal Council to issue an immediate stop-work order to prevent further damage to the buildings.

"We told the developer about the damages and they carried out repair works. Then, new cracks appeared," said Lim Kok Wah, 48. "We dare not sleep at night as we fear the buildings will collapse."

Another resident, whose printing shop is situated along the road, said a huge crack had appeared on his wall.
Komtar state assemblyman Ng Wei Aik, who visited the area yesterday, said investigations revealed that at least 20 houses were affected.

"Four of these houses experienced sinking floors. The cracks are big. I can even place my hand inside the cracks."

He urged the council to investigate and issue an immediate stop-work order to the construction site.

"The MPPP should also implement a remedial plan to deal with the cracks and the sinking floors."

In an unrelated matter, Ng said about 400 vacant pre-war shophouses in the inner city were in a dilapidated state and on the verge of collapsing. He said the state government would co-ordinate with the council to restore the buildings.