MPSJ to insist on geotechnical reports

The Sun 28/04/2004 by Arion Yeow

Petaling Jaya: Geotechnical reports are a must for any development in high-risk areas identified by he Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

MPSJ president Datuk Abd Hakim Borhan said yesterday the requirement, which is effective immediately, applies to all types of structures.

"Previously, geotechnical reports which are prepared by independent consultants were not mandatory but we want to set standards for security, although such problems are not common in MPSJ's territory," he said.

The requirement aims to reduce the occurrence of cracks in buildings, leaning buildings, landslides and other related problems, caused by unstable soil, shifts in the water table or insufficient foundation work during construction.

The problem spots identified by MPSJ include parts of USJ1, Taman Puchong Indah adn PJS 9.

In the case of problems which have already occurred, the original developer will be identified and asked to take measures like undertaking repairs, paying rent for families relocated due to repair work, and replacing the entire home if the damage cannot be repaired.

So far, the council has not encountered a case which requires and entire house to be replaced.

On another issue, Abd Hakim said MPSJ is offering a RM500 reward to residential committees that provide information on illegal dumping of rubbish leading to successful prosecution.

Asked how serious the problem is to prompt such measures, he said: "The situation is not serious but we do not want it to become serious. The dumping usually takes pkace in secluded areas, which are not inspected by MPSJ officers.

On the closure of the landfill in Ayer Hitam, he said the landfill was extended to June next year but delays in locating an alternative dump site may lead to another extension.

"The management tried to reduce the smell using special enzymes without much succes. Now, they are planning to burn the methane from the landfill to generate electrical power," he said.

About 50,000 homes are located near the landfill, which has become a developing area.