The row of 20 units has been abandoned by owners, except for one occupied by Information Technology (IT) worker Michael Wong, who claimed he could not afford to rent another place.

He parks his car 500 metres from home and trudges down a rubble path before squeezing through his front gate every day.

He said he bought the house in 1996 for RM109,800.

“When erosion started in September 2002 after a downpour, I asked the developer for an explanation,” said Wong.

“I was disappointed that no action was taken and later complained to the Hulu Selangor District Council last year.”

He said its officers told him the developer was responsible for the damage.

“I am so depressed. I do not know where else to go. My neighbours and I want to stay here but the developer or the district council must carry out repairs,” he said.

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE: Soil erosion at Jalan Anggerik 5D/2, Bukit Sentosa.

The condition worsened after each downpour, exposing the sewage pipe and tilting the electricity pole.

Sewage could be seen pouring out of the exposed pipe and the stench was obvious.

One by one, his neighbours began to move out.

Wong said the issue was highlighted in the media two years ago but that only prompted a soil test with no repair work done.

When contacted, the developer, Talam Corporation Bhd, said the problem was caused by water overflowing from the monsoon drain and they are awaiting approval from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage for a new design (of the drain) before repair work can start.

“The approval is expected by end of this month and our contractor will start work immediately,” said the spokesman, adding that work will take up to six months.

Several of the affected residents had taken up offers of temporary houses.