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GEORGE TOWN: Former Kampung Buah Pala villagers can move into their new double-storey houses in about two years, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said a fast-track construction would begin once the building plans for the project was approved in a week or two.

“The former villagers can be rest assured that the houses will be delivered to them as promised by the state government.

“The residents will not only own the houses, they will also have title deeds,” he told reporters Saturday after attending a Deepavali open house hosted by former Kampung Buah Pala villager M. Santha who now lives in a rented house in Taman Brown, Gelugor.

Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said 15 of the 24 families have accepted the houses that was offered by developer Nusmetro Ventures (P) Sdn Bhd under an ex-gratia deal.

He said the building plans for the houses were being amended to tailor to the residents’ requirements.

“A piece of land has also been set aside for the construction of a temple near the houses.

“This is indeed a historical moment for Kampung Buah Pala folk since the state government has succeeded in securing a good compensation deal for them,” he said.

On Oct 21, Lim had said that no development project would be approved in the former village unless those who signed the ex-gratia deal were given the houses.

He said the building plans for the condominium project submitted to the Penang Municipal Council must include the double-storey terrace houses, failing that the plans would not be approved.

Kampung Buah Pala protem committee chairman R. Karunakaran said it was still not too late for the remaining nine families who had not signed up for the houses to see Dr Ramasamy.

He said the 15 villagers were grateful to the state leaders for their keeping to their word.

“Otherwise it would have been impossible for us, who are mostly retirees, to own the houses which are worth around RM450,000 each.

“For all of us, this is the best Deepavali gift ever,” he said.

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