The dark and dingy days of the back lanes and alleyways in Georgetown World Heritage Site are over.
This is after several back lanes and alleyways in the city have been spruced up with a much needed upgrade.
Among them are those connecting Lebuh Pantai and Lebub Victoria, Lebuh Carnavon until Jalan Pintai Tali, Lorong Stewart, four back lanes behind Kampung Malabar, Lebuh Armenian and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) embarked on this revitalisation and upgrading projects 2019.
“This is a 5-year plan to upgrade 9km of back lanes and create 10 acres of green open spaces within the UNESCO World Heritage zone.
“Last year, we had upgraded nine side lanes and back lanes,” said Penang Mayor Dato Yew Tung Seang.
He added that the move will improve connectivity and to create a walking space and friendly environment (to create a low carbon city) and improve safety and security and cleanliness of the areas concerned.
“The work mainly involved upgrading of pavements and lighting. We also added some arts and decorations such as some street furniture, windmills, lanterns, colourful umbrellas and added plants at the back lanes.
“We also encourage urban farming at these side and back lanes. We can also facilitate colleges and schools who are interested in painting murals.
“As for 2021, in the pipeline are back lanes in Lebuh Union, side and back lanes around People’s Court, Pesara Clamaint, Lebuh Chulia to Lebuh Muntri,” said Yew.
In the meantime, MBPP also appeals to the local community to keep these areas clean and maintain their cleanliness by not throwing rubbish.
Kudos to the Penang Island City Council for the commendable community project.
