Statement
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong
after meeting the KLCH officials on the effects of development projects on city
folks on 10.5.2002
in Kuala Lumpur
We have seen development projects in many places. With changing times, we have to accept these projects. But, we must balance every project with the society and the environment. Over 150 local governments in the country must take this seriously.
On May 9, 2002, a group of residents and I talked with the KLCH officials on issues such as the RM655 million Middle Ring Road II project that involves Kepong Road and entrance to Taman Bukit Maluri. BumiHiway company is the contractor widening the road from four to six lanes and building multi-storied interchanges like the one linking with the highway to Batu Caves.
Widening roads is necessary. But, we must consider various aspects including traffic and safety. The Middle Ring Road project is nearly completed. Over the past three years, there have been traffic jams because of certain factors such as inadequate preparations. Last year, a vehicle fell down the side of the 8th mile Kepong Road, posing a danger to the houses in Bukit Maluri. In the morning of May 9, 2002, a retaining wall under construction collapsed on the adjacent houses at nearly the same site, causing alarm.
SAFETY MEASURES
Although the Federal Public Works Department is building the road, KLCH has to coordinate with it, in order to ensure safety such as preventing collapse of retaining walls, vehicle plunging into houses and fire. We hope that it presents proposals to solve these problems.
BumiHiway should take suitable measures to alleviate the fear of the residents. It should help to repair the damages.
FLOODING
Development projects may mean flooding. For example, Roads 30, 31 and 32, Kepong Baru have flash floods in the last two weeks. They are near the Metro Prima project. Hence, the residents suspect poor drainage as a result of the project, causing back flows.
We suggest that KLCH investigate the matter to find out the true cause of the flash floods. As it is a partner in the Metro Prima project, could it be that it simply passes whatever proposals?
SERI SEGAMBUT TRAFFIC
The new development in Seri Segambut, Jinjang South, results in traffic problem for those residents near Jalan Udang Siar. They have met the KLCH Director-General and his officers who have made a decision. KLCH provides sign boards and suitable restrictions to make sure that the traffic flows safely. Hitherto, the people are waiting for it to implement the decision.
KLCH should improve its criteria to approve projects and to safeguard the interest of city folks. Then, it must monitor these projects effectively.