‘Soil expert has no prior information about project’

GEORGE TOWN: The consulting engineer for the Bukit Kukus paired road project has refuted claims that the soil structure at the site was not suitable for development.

Jurutera Perunding GEA (M) Sdn Bhd said Universiti Sains Malaysia’s landslide, disaster management and soil erosion expert Professor Dr Habibah Lateh’s statement on the site’s soil structure was inaccurate.

“She does not have prior information of the intent and readings of works carried out at the site,” it said in a statement.

The firm is the consulting engineer for project owner Penang Island City Council.

Habibah had said if the project had proceeded as planned, it would spell greater disaster.

She had said that this was because sandy soil was used to fill the site, which was unsuitable.

She added that the site’s bedrock structure worsened the situation as the hill comprised granite stones.

“Sandy soil makes the whole structure weak and not solid for development (of the project). It is not the right soil. That is the weakness.

“If the project had proceeded as planned, even without the landslide, it would still spell danger due to the soil structure.

“I am not here to find fault with anybody, but it seems that we have not learnt from past disasters.”

Habibah had questioned those monitoring the project and if the engineers had gone down to the ground to monitor the situation.