Expansion plan right on track

New attractions: The Gardens' facade will feature ponds filled with the world's largest water lilies.

THE Federal Government’s RM7mil Penang Botanic Gardens expansion project will be completed within the next two weeks. Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director Anuar Yahya said the project, commissioned by the Tourism Ministry and implemented by the DID, was “almost finishing”. Giant Victoria amazonica water lilies, the largest of its kind in the world, will be placed in a pool once the facade is done. “The facade (where the controversial arches used to be) will be ready in less than two weeks. “The double-storey pavilion which will house a visitor’s centre, administrative office and car park will be ready on Dec 29,” he said, adding that the ministry together with the Botanic Gardens Department would decide on the management of the place.

The soon to be completed double-storey pavilion.

The expansion project comprises four packages — the facade, visitor’s pavilion, eco-stream walk and bambusetum. The latter two were completed last year. Anuar said the ministry’s economic stimulation project was also being implemented simultaneously by the DID. “That project, costing more than RM700,000, is being monitored by the Implementing Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department. “It involves upgrading and repairing the facilities inside the gardens. That project is also nearing completion. “All that’s left to do now are the signages,” he said. The project involves improving attractions inside the gardens like the Fern House, Aroid Walkway, Formal Gardens and Ochidarium. “Improvements include adding gazebos and benches,” he added.

-thestar online.