Gambier Street holds pre-World War II relics

UNDERGROUND CHAMBER?: A photograph taken by Ng of the arch which looks like a doorway into an underground chamber.

Padungan assemblyman Dominique Ng yesterday claimed to have discovered a pre-World War II underground chamber and a possible system of tunnels under Gambier Street.

This followed his investigation on information he received on Sunday night that beneath the podium supporting the demolished garment store, which was once the Government Information Service building, there were potential archeological relics.

Therefore, he appealed to the state government to halt the demolition work at the site as there could be historical and archeological structures that could be preserved.

“I appeal to the state government to immediately stop demolishing the site at the Gambier Street Market.

“This is to prevent the destruction of the historical structures,” he told reporters after he investigated the place the night before.

He said he found two small openings at two diametrically opposing corners of the podium.
He also said the openings led to what appeared to be underground cellars or chambers neatly lined by bricks and possible brick archways.

Ng also claimed that there could be other assets hidden there which warranted investigation.
He added that the place was very safe and the structure of the building still solid and hence the demolition of the place should be reviewed.

“The structure of the old Information building which was situated there is very strong and the main pillar is still very straight and safe.

“I’m very sad to see that the place which could be of historical value and could be a potential tourist destination and attraction destroyed just like that.

“I believe the place is of historical and archeological importance, so I lodged a report at the police headquarters this (yesterday) morning around 7.29am,” he said.

He hoped the police could protect the site and the Museum Department could carry out the preservation work and protect the place from vanishing from the eyes of the public.

An official of the Museum Department, when contacted yesterday, said they would investigate Ng’s claims.