THE RM500,000 beautification project at the Gurney Drive promenade in Penang has been completed with just some touch-ups to be done.

Penang Municipal Council Planning and Development Department acting director Khoo Boo Soon said the testing of the lights and other features were conducted on Saturday.

He said some touch-up work needed to be done on the dustbins.

“We have asked the contractor to rectify certain minor things. These are not major ones and the people can still use the place comfortably.

“The public have already started to use the benches. Some have done their morning and evening walks there,” he said when contacted yesterday.

A check by The Star showed the promenade was spotting a new look with anti-rust coated metal benches, ornamental lamp posts, beautiful pots with plants and beautiful stone structures.

Some people were seen relaxing on the benches with the shade provided by the palm trees.

The project was supposed to be completed on Jan 25 but it had to be extended to Jan 31, as the contractors could not complete the work on time.

The delay had irked several quarters, including the Penang Consumer Protection Association (PCPA).

Its president K. Koris had said the council must investigate the excuses given by the contractor for not meeting the deadline.

The Star Online.

By MANJIT KAUR, Photos by GOH GAIK LEE

Tuesday February 2, 2010