Proposal for water garden NGOs want cascading pool to replace arches at the Botanic Gardens
NOW that the controversial arches in front of the Botanic Gardens are being taken down, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) has urged the Tourism Ministry to implement the original plan.
Malaysia Nature Society Penang branch chairman D. Kanda Kumar said the NGOs were “very happy” the arches were being removed.
“The NGOs have already presented a proposal to the ministry for a water-themed garden mall.
“The mall was originally suggested by us in 2008,” he said.
“Instead of a fountain (which was plan-ned together with the arches), we want a cascading pool flowing from the existing stream.
“Our proposal is cost-sensitive and we hope it will be accepted,” he said, adding that the ministry was studying the NGOs’ proposal.
On renowned botanist Dr Francis Ng being made the ministry’s advisor for parks and gardens development, Kanda Kumar said it was a welcomed move.
“Dr Ng is an honourary MSN member and has spent quite some time at the gardens previously.
“He is well-versed and has the expertise to improve the gardens,” he said when contacted.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen recently announced the appointment of Dr Francis Ng.
She said Dr Francis Ng would suggest some “colourful plants that are appropriate” for the gardens.
State Drainage and Irrigation Depart-ment (DID) director Anuar Yahya said the DID had advised the contractor of the demolition job to be more cautious.
On Monday, one of the arches came crashing down on the hoarding just 10 minutes after the hydraulic breaker started chipping at the tilting structure.
He said the arches would be broken into pieces before being taken to the Pulau Burung landfill.
“The original date of completion is this Saturday but we expect work to finish sooner,” he said.
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