Hilly route leading to Air Itam dam closed for another 8 months

GEORGE TOWN: Hikers and avid runners using the main hilly route to the popular recreational Air Itam dam will have to wait for another eight months to access the road after it was closed for repair works due to the mammoth storm last Nov.
Following the storm and massive flooding last year, the access road leading towards the Air Itam dam had been cordoned off to prevent cyclists, hikers and runners from going up.
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) CEO, Datuk Dr. Jaseni Maidinsa, in a statement, said there were seven landslip sites which had been covered with a tarpaulin on the hilly route leading to the dam.
He said repair works would be carried out to ensure the roads are safe for motorist.
"Safety must be prioritised," he stressed, adding that PBAPP has the authority to block the road from being used in the event of a storm or heavy downpour.
He said PBAPP would appoint a contractor via open tender to complete the repair works.