Sia Boey project almost done

Initial phase of heritage rejuvenation works awaits canal pump tests

GEORGE TOWN: Phase one of the RM6mil Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project is almost complete, the final stage being a water system test.

George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the rejuvenation of the Prangin canal would be done by December.

They are currently making sure that water levels are safe.

“There are certain parts of the granite wall we want to refine.

“We have completed the rejuvenation of the old Prangin canal and are now making sure the pump is safe,” she said.

Dr Ang said during the rejuvenation process, they discovered old coins, plastic, water bottles, handphones, batteries, erasers and other objects among the mud and dirt.

“Normally, during this process, people throw away the mud and

dirt as it is very smelly.

“The GTWHI team documented the dissection of the mud and dirt and used archeological methods to sift through it to find the objects.

“From here, we can create a hypothesis as to how people used the site over the years.

“We are quite excited by our finds and are in the process of doing an interpretation with the National Heritage Department,” she said.

These objects, added Dr Ang, would be used as part of future programmes at the site.

“When the shophouses are completed, they will be displayed in an archeological gallery,” she said.

Dr Ang said despite the controversy surrounding the development of Sia Boey and the Prangin Canal, she had obtained a licence from the National Heritage Department.

“We want the support from the neighbouring community as Sia Boey used to be the entrance into George Town.

“We want to make it into a public park and give it back to the people.

“It is a very special place to me and I promise to give the project my best,” she said.

Dr Ang said phase two involved rejuvenating the market hall and the landscape project.

“It is in the process of calling for tender as this falls under the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).

“PDC is the owner and the appointment of the contractor falls under them. I am the site coordinator,” she said.

Dr Ang said phase three, the restoration of the shophouses, was now in the detailed design process.

It was reported in March last year that heritage activists were outraged over a proposed transport hub at Sia Boey Market and the Prangin Canal.

This followed the discovery of an old canal and the foundation of a building, said to be an old police station or barracks, by archaeologists at the site in Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong here.

The Sia Boey archaeology site is now being restored in phases.

We want the support from the neighbouring community as Sia Boey used to be the entrance into George Town Dr Ang Ming Chee