By Aida Aziz
BATU GAJAH: After decades without adequate street lighting and repeated accidents involving stray livestock, the Batu Gajah Bypass will become safer with the installation of 40 solar-powered streetlights.
The lights are being installed in stages along the road from the Batu Gajah traffic light junction near Silverlake towards Laman Bemban Raya, following years of complaints from road users.
Resident Abdul Aziz, who has consistently raised the issue to protect the community, said the Public Works Department (JKR) approved the project.
“Based on my observations, parts of the road have gone without adequate street lighting for decades.
“This has left certain stretches in darkness, particularly at night, posing a danger to motorists.
“The Batu Gajah Bypass (A108) towards Laman Bemban Raya is particularly worrying because the road is dark, hilly, winding and close to areas where livestock roam.
“The stretch is often associated with accidents involving motorists who collide with buffaloes or cows that suddenly cross the road,” he told Ipoh Echo/Peraktastic.
He said the solar streetlight installation project cost RM300,000, with all the lights expected to be fully operational by mid-November.
“The tender was reportedly awarded in August, and the streetlight poles have now been erected. The contractor has been given 14 weeks to complete the work.
“The facility is expected to provide better lighting, improve road safety and make the journey more comfortable for motorists, particularly at night.
“It is also hoped that the installation will reduce the risk of accidents, including those involving buffaloes and cows roaming along the road.
“I hope the project will benefit Batu Gajah residents and all road users travelling along this route,” he said.
Abdul Aziz added that resurfacing and repair works had also been carried out by the Kinta Public Works Department along several sections of the bypass.
“JKR has repaired three sections of the road, namely chainage 0.6 to 1.0, 2.6 to 3.0 and 3.0 to 3.5,” he said.
