Esplanade partially closed for work to improve drainage

GEORGE TOWN: The field at the popular Esplanade here is undergoing work to improve the drainage system.
The work is being undertaken by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Engineering Department at the area which has been partially cordoned off to the public.
Councillor Chris Lee said work started on Dec 20 last year and was expected to be completed by June 19.
"It is upgrading work to improve drainage for the field," he said when reached via text.
When contacted for more details, MBPP Engineering Department director Addnan Mohd Razali said the council will issue a media statement tomorrow.
theSun visited the field today and found mounds of sand and dirt being piled by tractors while most of the grass had been stripped in preparation for the project.
The last time the drainage system there was upgraded was in 2005 where a pipe with perforations was installed to allow water in and to be drained.
The field at the Epslanade, or Padang Kota Lama, is one of the few open spaces within George Town and faces the sea overlooking Butterworth on the mainland.
It is popular with the public for recreational activities where many indulge in a spot of football, cricket and kite-flying during weekends.
The field is flanked by the colonial era Fort Cornwallis on the east while the Town Hall and City Hall are on the west side.