LIFE was peaceful for residents of Taman Seri Timah in Balakong until a new development project began to take shape near their homes.

Undertaken by Sunrise Development, the project included the strengthening of a retaining wall that runs 150m along Taman Seri Timah.

A method termed cement grouting was employed where holes were drilled into the wall at various levels and cement pumped in.

However, soon after the cement grouting works began, deep cracks began to show in 10 of the homes, alarming the residents there. More than 90 houses are located near the wall.

During a site visit led by Balakong assemblyman Datuk Hoh Hee Lee, it was discovered the distance between the homes and the slope supporting the retaining wall fell short of the 3.7m required.

Residents also disapproved of the technique used by Sunrise Development.

''We feel the cement-grouting technique is unsafe as the soil in the area is known to be loose. After all, Taman Seri Timah itself was built in the 90s on land that was filled,'' said resident Chai Yun Sang.

Like Chai, most residents here are pensioners who used to work at the tin mines in Sungai Besi. When the mines closed, they were offered homes in Taman Seri Timah so they could retire in comfort.

''Having worked in the mines has given these residents enough knowledge on soil and on tried-and-tested loosening and strengthening methods which is why they’re sceptical about the technique used by Sunrise,'' said Hoh.

''Some weeks ago, a meeting was arranged between the residents and the project manager of Sunrise Development who gave his assurance that cement grouting is the best and safest method by today’s engineering standards,'' he said adding that Sunrise guaranteed the residents compensation if this proved wrong.

However, residents say they have lost confidence in the company and are requesting it to restudy the plans.

Work on the project has ground to a halt now pending feedback from the developer.