Island Glades residents voice concerns over bypass project

Residents of Island Glades recently gathered to address issues arising from the ongoing highway development project near their residential area.

According to Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) Facebook post, the meeting was held at Taman Kejiranan Karpal Singh on August 5.

The focal point of discussion was the construction of a bypass from Ayer Itam to Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu (Package 2), which has raised significant concerns within the local community.

Dust and noise pollution at Island Glades

One of the primary issues highlighted by Island Glades residents is the severe dust and noise pollution emanating from the construction site.

The continuous disturbances have led to numerous complaints, exacerbated by littering from construction workers and the use of grinders to crush rocks.

The constant presence of dust in the air has resulted in increased cases of breathing difficulties among the elderly, with reports of chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath becoming common.

These respiratory problems are particularly alarming as they can worsen pre-existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals.

Vivian Lee, a resident, said, “The dust is everywhere. We have to clean our homes multiple times a day, and it’s affecting our health.”

Additionally, the fine dust particles from open-air rock crushing and other construction activities have caused widespread skin problems among the elderly, including rashes, itchiness, and other allergic reactions.

The community also raised concerns about heavy lorries and machinery frequently passing through the narrow residential roads, causing significant traffic delays and posing a risk of accidents.

Some residents reported instances of lorries breaking down on slopes, creating dangerous situations that could lead to serious accidents.

Environmental and safety concerns

The construction activities have also disrupted local wildlife, increasing the risk of wild animals such as snakes entering residential areas.

Retiree Neo Swee Kee, 65, mentioned that he often has to wash his clothes and mop the floor multiple times a day due to the dust accumulation.

Residents of Changkat Delima 1 expressed concerns about vibrations experienced during the blasting of rocks at the construction site, while those from Lorong Delima 17 noted that torn covers on lorries carrying rocks and sand caused large amounts of dust to blow onto roads and houses.

“We feel like our concerns are falling on deaf ears,” said GH Khoo, a resident.

“Despite numerous complaints and documented evidence submitted to authorities and the local assemblywoman, no effective action has been taken to address our concerns.”

The contractor’s temporary measures, such as sprinkling water on the roads and cleaning up litter, were not maintained, leading to the recurrence of the problems.

This superficial approach to problem-solving has left the community feeling ignored and unsupported by the authorities.

The community proposed several mitigation measures to address the pollution issues.

These include relocating the rock-crushing machine to a more suitable location and conducting integrity and stability tests by experts to ensure safety.

Khoo suggested covering slopes to curb erosion and dust spread and called for intervention by the Department of Environment (DOE) on the dust pollution.

Residents also called for stricter monitoring and enforcement by the DOE, Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC), and Penang Island City Council (MBPP).

They requested frequent updates on the construction progress, particularly regarding slope stability and underground streams.

Additionally, they demanded official reports on dust monitoring data, disclosure of the equipment used for data collection, and proactive plans to address the pollution.

The concerns raised by the residents of Island Glades underscore the need for developers and authorities to act responsibly and prioritize the health and well-being of the community.

Besides the residents in Island Glades, similar complaints have been received from other areas along the bypass alignment, emphasising the widespread nature of the issues and the urgent need for effective solutions.