View Full Version : PenangBridge2:No Delays?
Utusan Malaysia: 14th Sept. 2004
PENANG Sept 13 - Deputy Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed has confirmed that the second Penang Bridge would be built under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010).
"The government has agreed in principle to build the second bridge, we are now looking at the financial and other aspects," he told reporters after visiting the Penang Public Works Department (PWD).
Besides easing congestion, the bridge could stimulate the local economy, he said without specifying its location but only mentioning a construction date of between 2006 and 2010.
The Penang PWD had already planned a service road in Bayan Baru, he said, adding that although many people speculated that the bridge would link Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on the island, a final decison has yet to be made.
In June, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said that the second bridge was not necessary as the existing bridge could be widened at a cost of RM579 million compared with spending RM2.6 billion for a new bridge.
Mohd Zin said the widening option was still being considered.
Meanwhile, the Penang PWD has applied for RM530 million for upgrading roads and building other infrastructure in the state, he said.
He also announced an extension until June 12 for the contractor to complete the multi-tiered intersection at Bayan Baru.
RM1.7 bil loan from China for second Penang bridge
By WONG CHUN WAI
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to secure a loan of more than RM1.7bil (US$500mil) from China for the construction of the much-awaited second Penang bridge – the largest for any single project given to a foreign country by China.
Sources said that a signing ceremony between the Exim Bank of China and Bank Pembangunan would be held this week on the loan.
It is expected to be witnessed by a minister from China and Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
It is learnt that the Chinese Government was willing to give this loan and favourable interest rates because of the close ties between Malaysia and China.
The Exim bank, or the Export-Import Bank of China, is a state-run bank that provides financing for export, overseas construction and investment projects and the only arm to issue low-interest loans. The bank is under the direct leadership of China’s State Council.
It has been reported that Penang’s RM 2.7 bil second bridge, which will link Batu Maung and Batu Kawan on the mainland, is set to bring spin-offs for the state, especially in the property and transportation sectors.
The 24km-long bridge, which will be the longest in South-East Asia, is likely to ease the congestion at the present 13.5km-long bridge, which is 21 years old.
The planned bridge would have a four-lane dual carriageway with two observation platforms at the central span, designed to resemble a pearl.
Construction of the bridge is expected to begin in early 2008, with the opening scheduled for 2011. It will have six expressways as part of the project.
The second bridge is among the number of projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Project to turn the state into a regional transportation hub, which includes the setting up of a low-cost carrier terminal at the Penang International Airport and the expansion of the Penang Port.
These projects, together with the network of roads through the Penang Outer Ring Road and the public transport upgrade, are essential elements that must precede the rollout of other projects in the region.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to unveil the massive development projects, from modern agricultural plans for Kedah and Perlis to human skills training for northern Perak, on July 30 and July 31 respectively.
Malaysia was the first Asean country to have formal ties with China.
It is learnt that during a closed-door meeting between Abdullah and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Naning, China, late last year, the Malaysian leader sounded out the possibility of securing a loan to build the Penang bridge.
“The Chinese government supported the idea and worked hard to accommodate the request for a substantial loan and at a very attractive interest rate,” the sources said.
United Engineering Malaysia (UEM) has been appointed to build, manage and operate the new crossing. Sources said that if they went into the market to raise the funds, they would have been charged interest rates of between 5% and 6% per annum. The interest rate for the loan from China is likely to be significantly lower.
At this week’s press conference to announce the loan agreement, there is a possibility that UEM could also sign a joint venture agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to build the second Penang bridge.
CHEC is one of the foremost builders of bridges in the world and has constructed some of the longest bridges in the world.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/11/nation/18264310&sec=nation&focus=1
July 13, 2007 11:22 AM
US$800 Million From Exim Bank Of China To Finance Construction Of Second Penang Bridge
PUTRAJAYA, July 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Friday secured a US$800 million (RM2.7 billion) loan facility from the Exim Bank of China, a move that paves the way for the construction of the second Penang bridge.
The loan amount is the largest given by China for a single project in foreign countries and reflects the close bilateral ties between Malaysia and China.
The term of the loan agreement which include an interest rate of three percent over 20 years is the most favourable offered to a foreign country.
The signing, between Exim Bank of China and Bank Pembangunan Malaysia, was witnessed by Second Finance Minister, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, China Commerce Minister Bo Xi Lai and Chief Minister of Penang Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon.
Today also saw another contract agreement signed between UEM Group Bhd and a JV consortium of China Harbour Engineering Company and UEM Construction.
The agreement is likely to kickstart construction activity, topography and hydrography surveys and soil investigations related to the project.
The 23-km long bridge, linking Batu Maung on Penang island to Batu Kawan on the mainland, is expected to be completed in 2011.
The second Penang bridge will be the longest crossing in Southeast Asia. The construction of the bridge will create positive economic spinoff namely the creation of about 2,000 jobs.
As Malaysia has a mature construction market, most of the construction material will be sourced or manufactured locally, a situation that will results in more business for downstream activities in the construction sector.
China Harbour is a Fortune 500 company which has a distinction of having built some of the world's longest and technologically-advanced bridges including the world's longest cable-stay bridge linking Suzhou and Nanpong, in China.
It has been involved in 21 projects in Malaysia since 1990s including the reclamation and shore protection work at Sutera Harbour Resort in Kota Kinabalu and reclamation work at West Port.
--BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=272967
July 13, 2007 21:14 PM
Completion Of 2nd Penang Bridge Could Be Earlier Than Scheduled, Says UEM
PUTRAJAYA, July 13 ( Bernama) -- The Penang Second Crossing Bridge project could be completed earlier than scheduled if the parties involved work effectively, UEM Group Bhd managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin said.
Although the commitment to the government is to complete it by end of 2010, for opening by 2011, it will not be impossible to complete it earlier in 2010 as suggested by China's Commerce Minister Bo Xi Lai, Ahmad Pardas said.
He was speaking to reporters after the signing of an agreement here today between the UEM Group and the joint venture consortium of its subsidiary, UEM Construction, and China's Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
They are to jointly undertake the building of the bridge.
The agreement today is expected to kick start construction activity, topography and hydrography surveys and soil investigations for the 23km-long bridge. It is to be the longest crossing in South East Asia.
-- BERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=273107
http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/26/business/leadpicpenangbridge.JPG
[Photo: The Star - An artist's impression of the Second Penang Bridge]
Second Penang Bridge construction to start in November
By DAVID TAN
XIAMEN: China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) is expected to start construction work on the second Penang bridge in November and will use a special technology for the project to ensure its completion in 2011.
CHEC information manager Ma Jie said the company would use the technology of pre-fabricated box beam, called the 'short-line matching' technology, to produce short sections of beams, each measuring 3 to 4 metres for the bridge.
"The small size of the beams will make it easy for them to be transported to the site of the bridge with smaller vessels.
"It is not practical to produce long beams, which require large vessels to carry them.
"Large vessels will have a tough time transporting the beams to the site because the sea surrounding the project is shallow.
Ann artist's impression of the Second Penang Bridge
"Finally, we can also manufacture small beams with greater measurement precision and accuracy," he said.
Ma added that construction work for the second bridge is expected to begin in November 2007.
Ma spoke at a briefing to some 20 journalists from Malaysia held in Xiamen, where CHEC is constructing the 3.8km Jimei Bridge, using the same technology.
The Penang second bridge is the sixth bridge undertaken by CHEC using the technology.
CHEC is using the same technology to build the Jimei and Sutong bridges in Xiamen and Shanghai.
"We expect to manufacture the beams in one year. It will take another 22 to 23 months to join the beams together," he said.
Ma said some six production lines to produce the beams would be set up in Penang.
"Construction work should begin before the year ends.
"Some 1,000 engineers and technicians from China are estimated to be involved in the project.
"They will be sent to Penang in gradual phases to work on the second bridge," he added.
Ma said pre-stress technology would also be used to manufacture the beams.
"The pre-stress technology enables the bridge to withstand the impact from an earthquake of 7 on the richter scale," he said.
Ma said the cost of the raw materials and the design of the bridge had yet to be finalised.
China is providing Malaysia US$800mil in loans, with a 3% interest rate and a repayment period of 20 years.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/26/business/20070726104605&sec=business
http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/26/business/leadpicpenangbridge.JPG
[Photo: The Star - An artist's impression of the Second Penang Bridge]
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/26/business/20070726104605&sec=business
UEM Dismisses Speculation Over Second Penang Bridge
PENANG, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- UEM Builders Bhd tonight dismissed speculation over the purported absence of construction on the second Penang bridge, saying that any physical structure will only be visible in March next year.
Its managing director, Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh, said the absence of any physical structure now did not mean that no work was going on.
The physical structure could be seen after work on the casting and moulding was completed in March next year, he told reporters at an Aidilfitri reception for the media here.
He said the company was now engaged in preliminary work on the bridge, such as clearing 68 hectares for the alignment of the bridge, conducting soil tests and marine soil tests and installing gantries.
All work began on the day that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the 24-km bridge at the end of last year, and work was being done in fast track mode, he said.
Ridza said 17 kilometres of the bridge would be over water and it was expected to be opened for use in January 2011.
He said the cost of construction was over RM3 billion but it could go up depending on any rise in the cost of construction material in the world market.
The second bridge will link Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai Selatan to Batu Maung on the island and is to feature pillars able to withstand earthquakes measuring up to seven on the Richter scale.
-- BERNAMA
Non-specific link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/
2007/12/10
Work on second Penang Bridge begins
BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, MON:
Work on the 24-kilometre second Penang bridge has begun with the completion of much of the preparatory work.
China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) said that soil investigation work which started in August would be finished this month while topography surveys were completed in September.
The underwater survey was completed a month later, CHEC said in a statement here today.
CHEM said that test piling began last month and that it has already completed three clusters of seven piles each.
The second bridge, which would help reduce the traffic jam, would be the longest bridge in Southeast Asia when completed by January 2011.
CHEM and UEM are jointly constructing the bridge that would link Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai to Batu Maung on the island.
UEM Construction Sdn Bhd has formed a consortium to build the bridge, with CHEC holding 51 percent equity and UEM the remaining stake.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/NewsBreak/20071210142942/Article/index_html
Wikipedia entry on project:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang_Second_Bridge
.....
Meanwhile, the state Department of Environment has ordered UEM Builders to stop dredging the seabed around the site of the second Penang Bridge.
State Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said a stop-work order was issued after the company's contractors failed to submit a detailed dredging plan to the authorities.
"We have requested UEM to furnish the authorities with details of the environmental impact as a result of active sand and mud dredging around the vicinity of the mammoth project," Teng, who is also the Padang Kota state assemblyman, said after attending a recycling campaign jointly organised by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department and his constituency's service team.
Teng said the stop-work order would be lifted upon submission of environmental mitigation plans by the contractors.
He, however, added that ground work on the bridge would not be affected.
.....
January 18, 2008 00:10 AM
Second Bridge Delayed To Ensure Project Does Not Affect Fishermen
KEPALA BATAS, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- Commencement of the Second Penang Bridge project is delayed as the state government wants to resolve several matters involving fishermen as well as fish and cockle breeders who will be affected by the project.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the implementation of the project could affect the livelihood of 1,500 fishermen and the breeders, who claimed the project could threaten the area's ecosystem.
Apart from that, he said, it would also take time to settle matters involving land acquisition and environmental studies for the project.
"The state government will not allow the bridge concessionaire, UEM Builders Bhd, to dig the mud and do piling work until we have settled the fishermen's problems," he said when launching the state-level Integrity Month at the Dewan Milenium here.
He said various quarters had been criticising the government for the delay in building the 24km Second Penang Bridge to link Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai Selatan to Batu Maung on the island.
Koh said the government had to delay work on the bridge to ensure the project would not have adverse effects on any quarters.
Later at a press conference, Koh said the federal government had formed a special task force, comprising the Economic Planning Unit and the Malaysian Highway Authority and chaired by former Public Works director- general Tan Sri Zaini Omar, to look into the fishermen's problems.
The state government, he added, had also formed a team of three state executive councillors to assist the task force.
..........
Non-specific link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/
http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/7/26/business/leadpicpenangbridge.JPG
[Photo: The Star - An artist's impression of the central (floating rest-areas) section of the Second Penang Bridge.]
Second bridge work on target
By : Audrey Dermawan
GEORGE TOWN: Work on the Second Penang Bridge will go into full swing next month.
It will be completed as scheduled by the end of 2010 and operational by January 2011.
This assurance was given by the head of the special task force for the bridge, Tan Sri Zaini Omar, at a press conference yesterday.
He plans to meet the project's concessionaire UEM Construction Sdn Bhd and its main contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), to finalise details of the conceptual design plan tomorrow.
"The progress has been satisfactory so far. It is remarkable that such a lot of work has been done for a project of this size," he said, adding that it would be completed on schedule.
So far, more than 300 bore holes, each measuring between 50m to 100m deep, had been dug along the alignment of the second bridge.
Zaini said a lot of the dredging work had also been completed .
A total of 10 million cubic metres of mud was dredged each month and sent to Pulau Kendi.
The Department of Environment has imposed various conditions for the dumping of mud there and Zaini gave an assurance that the dumping would not cause any negative effects.
He added that test-pile and soil investigation works were being undertaken at present.
"Piling will begin soon after," he said.
Zaini said they would look into complaints by affected fishermen and the adverse impact on the fish in cages.
When asked on the stop- work order issued by the department on Dec 11 as the builders of the bridge had failed to comply with a technical requirement, he said: "Everything is under control now."
Asked on a report that work on the project had been disrupted because of a dispute between UEM and CHEC on the design of the bridge, Zaini said: "Different parties are bound to have different ideas, but the best (design) will win.
"The task force will work together with UEM and CHEC on this matter," he said, adding that piling work could go on first before the finalisation of the design.
Zaini said several innovative measures would be introduced for the bridge, namely the use of the variable messaging system, where bridge users would be informed of travelling time on both the existing and new bridges.
He said the second bridge would also have a 3m-wide motorcycle lane and a 2m- wide emergency lane on each side. The Bayan Lepas expressway would also be upgraded. Also, the third lane of the existing bridge is scheduled to be completed about the same time.
The 24km Second Penang Bridge (of which 17km will be over water) will link Penang island and Seberang Prai.
Upon completion, the bridge, which will comprise 294 piers and 9,364 sections, is set to be the longest in Southeast Asia.
Zaini, who is former director-general of the Public Works Department, has been tasked by the federal government with heading the high-powered task force in meeting the schedule of implementation of the second bridge.
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http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Thursday/National/2140244/Article/index_html
jpatokal
28-01-08, 07:55 PM
It will be completed as scheduled by the end of 2010.
And how much would the readers of this esteemed forum be willing to be on this one? :D
Bridge work can resume
GEORGE TOWN: With the lifting of a stop-work order yesterday, the sea dredging for the second Penang Bridge can resume.
State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said UEM Builders Bhd and its contractors had complied with the Department of Environment's requirements.
The DOE had issued the order in December because they had failed to install a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) system on their barges so their movements could be tracked via satellite.
The head of the task force for fast-track implementation of the second crossing project Tan Sri Zaini Omar was quoted as saying that the delay was because they were not able to acquire the equipment that fully complied with DOE requirements.
The stop-work order only affected the dredging work in the sea. Work in other areas is progressing smoothly.
Port builder and bridge construction firm China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd is the main contractor for the iconic 24-km bridge, which will link Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/National/2150731/Article/index_html
Contractors appointed for second Penang Bridge
By YEOW POOI LING
PETALING JAYA: UEM Builders Bhd has appointed about 40 subcontractors and 30 consultants for the construction of the second Penang Bridge, a company spokesman said.
“As the project progresses, we will definitely engage more local contractors to participate in this prestigious project,” he said in an e-mail reply to StarBiz.
The spokesman said the participation of local contractors, especially bumiputras, was in line with the Government's policy to develop its own pool of contractors and entrepreneurs.
The construction of the bridge, which would link Batu Maung on the island and Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai, was awarded to a joint venture between UEM Builders and China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd last year.
The bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2011, will comprise 294 piers and 9,364 sections.
It will be the longest in South-East Asia.
The spokesman said rising prices of raw material like steel bars, concrete and diesel would put pressure on construction costs.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/6/business/20249378&sec=business
3 Penang projects to finish on schedule
GEORGE TOWN: Technical problems involving the three main infrastructure projects in Penang have been ironed out with completion dates remaining unchanged.
Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said the Second Penang Bridge, Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and the monorail projects were ready to start.
“Work on the second bridge has resumed and is on schedule. As for PORR, we are looking at the final documents before calling for tenders.
“It is also the same for the monorail project,” he said, adding that the government needed to make sure everything was in order before starting work on the projects.
Nor Mohamed said groundwork for the PORR and monorail projects was expected to begin by the end of the year.
To a question on whether the government was facing financial problems in carrying out the projects, he said: “That is not the case. The money for these projects is there,” he said after visiting the St Nicholas’ Home here yesterday.
The Second Penang Bridge will link Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai to Batu Maung on the island. Construction began this year and will be completed by 2011.
The PORR project involves the construction of a 17km dual-lane highway between Tanjung Bungah and the Penang Bridge.
See also:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2661
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Sunday/National/20080210081543/Article/index_html
Second Penang bridge on track, says managing director
KUALA LUMPUR: About 4% of the construction work on the second Penang Bridge project has been completed.
UEM Builders Bhd managing director Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh said the 22.5km bridge linking Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on the island was on track for completion in 2011.
“We have completed marine soil investigation, marine test piling, marine load tests as well as land survey and soil investigation,” he told a media briefing yesterday.
Ridza also said the group had completed 80% of the bridge engineering and expressway engineering design.
“You may not see the actual physical work being done on the site now but we are working hard.
“We have completed 15% of the dredging and preliminary works,” he said, adding that 50% of the casting yard had been done.
In addition, about 80% of the site had been cleared for the project, he said.
On escalating raw materials cost, Ridza said the group was still in discussions with the Government.
“The cost of constructing the bridge is estimated at RM4bil but we are trying to minimise the cost,” he added.
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/16/business/20352604&sec=business
2008/04/05
Directive to expedite bridge construction
By Audrey Dermawan news@nst.com.my
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has directed the state Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and other authorities to come up with measures to expedite the construction of the Second Penang Bridge.
This follows an assurance by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Thursday that the federal government would not discriminate against Penang and would continue to co-operate with the state on projects that would benefit the people.
Lim said he would request for a report from the state EPU and the relevant agencies on the status of land acquisition for the project after a meeting with Tan Sri Zaini Omar, the head of the task force for the implementation of the second crossing, next week.
"We hope to address and sort out whatever delays which may affect the completion of the bridge.
"We will make sure the bridge opens to motorists as scheduled in January 2011," he said in his office in Komtar yesterday.
..........
See also this thread concerning the recent call by an UMNO to stop the project:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=20324&postcount=16
Progress on widening the original Penang Bridge:
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=3143
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Frontpage/mari.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph7/iconic12.jpg
2nd Penang bridge to cost RM4.3b
By Marina Emmanuel
Published: 2008/04/12
UEM Builders and China Harbour Engineering will now have to adhere to the price tag although each had presented higher costings, sources say
THE Government has finalised costings for the second Penang bridge, setting the figure at RM4.3 billion.
Business Times learnt that the matter was finalised at a meeting held yesterday between the Finance Ministry, UEM Builders Bhd and China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC).
"The RM4.3 billion price was given by the government and both parties will now have to adhere to it although each had presented higher costings," a source said.
It is learnt that Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop chaired the meeting, which was also attended by Tan Sri Zaini Omar, who heads a task force for the implementation of the second bridge project.
The 24km second Penang bridge (of which 17km will be on water) will link Penang island and Seberang Prai.
UEM Construction Sdn Bhd - a subsidiary of UEM Builders Bhd - has named port builder and bridge construction firm CHEC as its main contractor for the bridge which will link Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.
The source said in setting the final cost for the second crossing project, the government has taken into consideration the rising cost of materials such as steel.
"Both parties must come to an understanding on how they are going to work things out before they sign an agreement on the price," the source added.
It is learnt that the deal will be inked by the end of this month.
The iconic bridge, which will comprise 294 piers and 9,364 sections, will be the longest in South-East Asia and expected to be opened to the public by 2011.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Frontpage/mari.xml/Article/
Tuesday April 15, 2008
Penang wants toll cut if bridge is late
By CHRISTINA CHIN
PENANG: The state government wants a “toll discount” to be given to Penangites if the Second Penang Bridge is not completed by Jan 1, 2011.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state would ask for the punitive provision to be enforced as a “guarantee that the delivery of the project is on schedule.”
“The bridge is a federal project but is on state land. Ultimately, the cost of the building will be borne by Penangites, so we will discuss this matter privately with the Federal Government and the contractor involved,” he said after Vaisakhi prayers at the Gurdwara Sahib yesterday.
Lim said the state wanted to know the toll rates for the 24km second bridge, which would link Batu Maung on the island with Batu Kawan in Seberang Prai.
“For example, if toll charges are RM9, a discount of 15% should be given if the project is late. Otherwise, they can take forever to complete the structure. If this cannot be done, we will have to explore other possibilities,” he said.
Vaisakhi wishes: Lim and his wife Betty Chew greeting DAP chairman Karpal Singh at the Gurdwara Sahib in Penang on Monday.
Asked to comment on the bridge cost escalating from RM3.5bil to RM4.3bil, Lim said he would wait for an official report before commenting.
At a meeting held on April 11 between the Finance Ministry, bridge builder UEM Builders Bhd and main contractor China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd, the Federal Government had finalised the cost of the second bridge at RM4.3bil.
...........
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/15/nation/20948763&sec=nation
jpatokal
16-04-08, 02:32 PM
Penang State Government mulls toll penalties in bid to beat Jpatakol in 2bkk.com poll
Based on poll results so far, the punters are still giving odds of 2:0 in my favor :D
Based on poll results so far, the punters are still giving odds of 2:0 in my favor :D
Yes, things are definitely going Jpatakol's way!:
Penang CM disappointed over bridge delay
By ANDREA FILMER
PENANG: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has expressed disappointment over news that the completion of the Second Link or second Penang Bridge would be delayed.
Responding to reports that the second link would need an extra nine months to be completed, Lim said bridge contractor UEM Builders Bhd had yet to inform the state about the delay.
“All we know is what we read in the newspapers.
“It seems that the promise made by Tan Sri Zaini Omar (the second bridge’s special task force head) to complete the Second Link by 1 Jan 2011 remains an unfulfilled promise.
“We are very disheartened with the delay and higher costs of the project as in the end, Penangites will be the ones to pay more,” Lim said after visiting the recently resumed Penang Hill funicular railway Thursday morning.
News reports said the Federal Government had set the cost of the bridge at RM4.3bil over the previous estimate of RM3.5bil.
Lim said the project delay and lack of information from the Federal Government was disappointing.
“The state government is ready and willing to work with the Federal Government, however, we don’t seem to be getting any response.
"This is not a healthy way for the Federal Government to react to the sincerity of the new state government,” he said.
Lim added that “other measures” would be looked into if the state continued to get the cold shoulder from the Federal Government, but declined to elaborate.
.............
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/17/nation/20080417165046&sec=nation
Yes, things are definitely going Jpatakol's way!:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/17/nation/20080417165046&sec=nation
April 22, 2008 11:18 AM
Second Penang Bridge Delayed Due To Land Issue & Rising Costs
KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the construction of the Second Penang Bridge will be delayed following problems getting the allocated land, the best design and increasing building costs.
"Several matters have delayed its construction. Firstly in getting the land that had been allocated for building the bridge.
"Secondly, there is a need to ensure that the given design is the most suitable and also the issue of cost where there may be changes due to increased prices," he told reporters after officiating the Asia-Europe Culture Ministers Meeting here today.
Abdullah said this when asked on why the building of the bridge was being reviewed under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
He also explained that apart from the bridge, several other projects under the 9MP were being reviewed as well.
The building of the 24-km bridge linking Batu Kawan in Seberang Perai south and Batu Maung on the island has been receiving criticisms from various parties for its delay.
The original agreement between UEM Group Bhd and its consortium partner China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) has been extended for nine months to provide more negotiation time for them to reach an agreement that will be same with the original deal.
Earlier, UEM had given the guarantee that the building of the Second Penang Bridge will be smooth and completed as scheduled in 2011.
The bridge will be the longest in Malaysia and South East Asia once it is completed.
Last year, Malaysia and China signed a loan facility worth RM2.7 billion for the building of the bridge. The parties involved were the Government of Malaysia, Exim Bank from China and Bank Pembangunan (Malaysia) Bhd.
-- BERNAMA
Non-specific link:
http://www.bernama.com.my/
2nd Penang Bridge
More ships for sea-deepening job
By Marina Emmanuel
Published: 2008/04/30
CHINA Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), the main contractor of the second Penang bridge, is awaiting the arrival of 18 more ships to complete its sea-deepening work for the project.
It is learnt that the Beijing-based company, which has already brought in two dredging ships, is waiting for permits from local authorities to bring in the remaining vessels.
"It is likely to take CHEC four months to complete the deepening work, and the company remains confident that it can finish its 17km sea-portion of the bridge on schedule," industry sources told Business Times.
CHEC, which set up an office in Penang last year, has so far deployed 200 of its staff for the project.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Wednesday/Nation/JAMBAT.xml/Article/
2008/05/17
Second Penang bridge's preliminary work almost completed
BERNAMA
PENANG, Sat.:
Preliminary work on Penang’s second bridge linking Batu Maung on the island to Batu Kawan on the mainland is almost completed, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today.
He said there was a lot of preliminary work like surveying, site clearing, soil investigation, designing, testing and dredging to be done before the main construction of the 26-kilometre bridge could take off.
"Most of the preliminary work is near completion. The only one that is not actually completed is the dredging work which is now 34 per cent completed,” he told a news conference here today.
He said the state government hoped that the main construction could take off as soon as possible.
"We hope that the federal government can speed up because investors are also very interested to know about the pace of the construction,” he said.
Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the proposed bridge, initially targeted for completion in 2011 on a RM3 billion budget, was experiencing delays due to escalating costs and problems in the design and land acquisition.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/NewsBreak/20080517153804/Article/index_html
Thursday July 3, 2008
Bridge project right on schedule
NIBONG TEBAL: The second Penang bridge will be completed in 2011 as scheduled, and the cost will be RM4.5bil.
UEM Group Berhad managing director and chief executive officer Ahmad Pardas Senin said the commonly quoted figure of RM3.6bil was only for the cost of the construction of the bridge over water.
This did not take into account the RM900mil needed to construct the 7km expressway linking it to the North South Expressway.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/3/nation/n_03bridge.jpg
[Photo: The Star - A general view of the casting yard for the second Penang bridge in Batu Kawan Wednesday.]
He explained that there was a price fluctuation clause to account for price changes in building materials and it did not necessarily mean that the final cost would be higher than the estimate because the clause took into consideration prices of building materials going up or down.
Ahmad Pardas said he believed that without the fluctuation clause, no organisation would be willing to start any construction because it would definitely be running at a loss.
“We are committed to completing the job by the end of 2011,” he told a press conference at the project site office here, after a site visit with the media yesterday.
He said the cost of building the bridge now stood at RM4.585bil, including RM285mil in development cost.
“The price of steel has increased by 60% and while fuel went up by 40%. The cost of building the bridge has only gone up by 10.4%,” he said.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had last month asked the Federal Government to explain why the cost of the second Penang bridge project had ballooned from RM2.7bil to RM4.5bil within a year, saying that an explanation was necessary because Penangites would eventually have to bear the expense through toll rates.
Ahmad Pardas clarified that the original cost for the whole project was RM3.6bil and not RM2.7bil as reported in the media.
He said work to build the bridge had not stopped since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony in November 2006.
The project is undertaken by UEM and Chinese Harbour Engineering Company, which holds a 51% stake and the rest by UEM.
Ahmad Pardas said UEM would spend RM57mil to acquire about 113ha of land belonging to individuals and the Penang Development Corporation for the project.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/3/nation/21729566&sec=nation
Interesting conundrum highlighted in red in the following article:
2nd Penang bridge's cost may breach RM5b
By Marina Emmanuel
Published: 2008/07/03
The total cost has escalated to RM4.59 billion from RM3.6 billion, says UEM Group, adding that it can pass on extra costs if the prices of raw materials go up further.
UEM Group Bhd, the main contractor of the second Penang bridge, says the total cost of the project is now RM4.59 billion, but it can even breach RM5 billion if prices of raw materials rise further.
"The costs of these items can only be determined as and when we procure them," managing director Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin told reporters during a site visit at Batu Kawan on mainland Penang.
The bulk of the cost, or RM3.32 billion, is for the portion of the bridge over water, followed by RM997 million for the portion over land. Another RM285 million is for the design, concept and preliminary works that was agreed with the government.
However, UEM can pass on additional costs if the price of materials like steel, is higher.
"I believe that without the fluctuation clause (in an agreement signed between UEM and the government), no organisation will be willing to start any construction because you will definitely be running at a loss," said Ahmad Pardas.
"I would also like to clarify that the original costing for the whole project is RM3.6 billion and not RM2.7 billion as reported by some media previously.
"The RM2.7 billion was actually referred to the cost of building the 17km-bridge span over water. As the construction of a bridge would also include those built on land, another RM900 million should also be included in the original costing as it was allocated to build expressways, interchange and toll plazas," Ahmad Pardas added.
The 24km second Penang bridge (of which 17km will be on water) will link Penang Island and Seberang Prai.
UEM Construction Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of UEM Builders Bhd, has named port builder and bridge construction firm China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd as its main contractor.
UEM Group now holds the concession for the first Penang bridge. Under that agreement, UEM could seek compensation if a second bridge was built.
However, Ahmad Pardas declined to say what UEM is planning to do, saying there are many ways to deal with the issue.
UEM Group also yesterday indicated its intention to tender for the concession rights of the second bridge.
"The company has the experience and knowledge as its is currently managing two important crossings which are the Penang Bridge and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.
"All these will definitely help justify why UEM Group should be the most suitable party ...," Ahmad Pardas said.
Meanwhile, UEM is set to buy 112ha of land in Batu Kawan and Batu Maung for the project. It is expected to pay a total of RM57 million in compensation to affected parties which include private land owners and Penang Development Corp.
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Thursday/Latest/p2xa.xml/Article/
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/3/nation/21729566&sec=nation
Interesting conundrum highlighted in red in the following article:
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Thursday/Latest/p2xa.xml/Article/
Friday July 4, 2008
Casting yard ‘nearly ready’
By ZULKIFLY MOHAMAD
WORKERS are racing against time to build a RM100mil casting yard in Batu Kawan which will produce segmental box girders for the construction of the RM4.6bil second Penang bridge project.
UEM Group chief operating officer and managing director Datuk Ahmad Pardas Senin said the casting yard on a 20ha site in Batu Kawan was in the advanced stage of completion.
The yard, he said, would be used to produce all the 8,500 girders required to build the part of the bridge spanning 17km across the sea.
The girders, weighing between 80 and 100 metric tonnes and measuring 55m each, are the most critical component of the bridge.
He said workers were working on a 16-hour shift to complete the yard on time.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/4/north/yard.jpg
[Photo: The Star - Ahmad Pardas, flanked by Risza (left) and UEM Builders P2X project director Rosland Ibrahim, checking out the progress on the construction of the casting yard in Batu Kawan.]
“There are 2,000 workers involved in constructing the 24km-long bridge. We have not stopped working since the project’s ground-breaking ceremony in 2006,” he added.
Besides the 2,000 workers, 597 contractors, suppliers and consultants are also involved in the project.
Ahmad Pardas said the company would also build 7km of expressway, interchange and toll plazas which form part of the bridge linking Batu Kawan on the mainland and Batu Maung on the island.
He said some 58,000 metric tonnes of steel and 280,000 cubic metres of concrete were needed to build the bridge.
“The cost of the bridge was RM3.6bil when the company submitted its proposal in December, 2006, but the cost ballooned to RM4.3bil last April due to rising cost of building materials, especially steel, concrete and fuel.
“We spent another RM285mil on development, including design, concept and initial works,” he added.
UEM Builders managing director Datuk Ridza Abdoh said the company had devised a sea dredging system to dredge within the permitted and designated areas.
“An alarm will trigger in my handphone and that of the Penang Department of Enviroment director’s if workers encroached into other areas.
“We are using the Globe Positioning System to help us monitor the dredging work and to protect the environment,” he said.
Ridza said 21 moulds would be used to produce the girders which would be marked and stored beside the casting yard.
He said gantry cranes, weighing between 20 tonnes and 120 tonnes and purchased from Italy, would also be used to move the girders.
“We will also use a survey tower to align the girders for pin-point accuracy and have set up a batching plant to produce ready-mixed concrete,” he added.
The bridge project is expected to be ready by the end of 2011. It is jointly developed by UEM and China Harbour Engineering Company which holds 51% share in the projec
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/7/4/north/21734198&sec=North
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