Residents worry about cracks

THE SUN 11/08/2004

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in eight blocks of low-cost flats in Pinggiran Batu Caves, Taman Sri Gombak here are worried about the appearance of cracks and sink-holes in the buildings.

Cracks on the walls and walkways, as well as cave-ins on the edges of the buildings and drains, which have become evident in the last few years, have worsened of late.

Kepong MP Dr Tan Seng Giaw, who visited the place on Monday, said the private developer for the project and the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) were not serious about addressing the problem, involving about 150 units.

Tan said he had raised the matter with the council, which replied that it was unable to reach the engineers concerned.

However, the residents have easy access to the developer, paying the company a monthly maintenance fee of RM126 at its offices on the 9th floor of Wisma Char Yong on Jalan Ampang.

The project was completed by the developer about 10 years ago under a squatter relocation programme.

Tan said he would invite representatives from the residents to meet with officials of the council and Housing and, Local Government Ministry.

"The relevant parties should not have a low-cost mentality, just because the residents are from the lower income bracket," he said.

He also said the residents, formerly from' the Temenggong squatter colony, have yet to obtain strata titles to their units.

An MPS official said the council had asked the developer to submit a report on the status of the building structure when cracks started to appear.

After an inspection of the buildings, the developer had reported that the structure was stable.

The official said the developer has carried out remedial work to repair cracks and sink holes from time to time.