Cracks will be repaired soon, residents told

02/09/2004 The Star

THE developer of the Pandan Mesra housing project in Ampang Campuran, Selangor, has assured residents in Jalan Ikan Jelawat 9 that hairline cracks in their houses will be repaired by the end of this month. 

The cracks appeared after pipe jacking works to build a sewage line started more than a month ago. 

Keringat Global Development Sdn Bhd executive director Ivan Choo said site inspection was carried out at the houses last Thursday, after residents complained of cracks on their walls and the road. 

“When construction of the sewage line started, there was slipping of earth and sand due to the nature of the soil in the area. 

“We are doing remedial works now,” said Choo, explaining that the area was former mining land. 

He said senior site manager George Lim had visited the houses and verbally assured residents that the cracks would be repaired soon. 

“I have instructed that a written assurance be given. 

“The road will be widened and repaired and hairline cracks patched up once the sewage line is completed over the next few days,” added Choo.  

Residents had, on Aug 24, complained of cracks on their walls due to the construction of the sewage line at the mixed development project. 

Resident David Looi said people had lived in the area for more than 50 years and no cracks had appeared on their walls until now. 

He said cracks were visible on the walls and floor while larger ones were found on the road parallel to the length of the sewage drain being built. 

“Part of the road has also sunk and we want the developer to rectify this problem before it worsens,” said Looi. 

DAP National Consumer Affairs Bureau secretary Khong Chee Seng said residents had complained to the developer and they were told that any cracks or problems resulting from the development would be repaired once the project had been completed. 

“I have informed the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council's (MPAJ) Engineering Department about the problem. We want MPAJ to evaluate the situation and tell us if the houses are safe for occupation,” he said. 

Khong also pointed out an uncovered manhole in the area, measuring 2.4m wide, saying that it was dangerous as children could fall in while playing nearby. 

“The developer should fence up the area if they do not want to close up the hole,” he said. 

The Pandan Mesra project is a squatter relocation programme undertaken by MPAJ and Keringat Global.