Main structures not affected by landslide

The Star 20/11/2006 By LIM CHIA YING

The main structure of the houses is stable and not endangered, said Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

He was responding to questions on the landslide that hit about 14 one-and-half-storey homes in Jalan Kasawari 7 of Bandar Puchong Jaya on Friday, following a visit to the site on Saturday afternoon.

“I brought along slope and earth experts with me from the Public Works Department (PWD), who told me the main structure was not affected.

“I have asked the developer to come in immediately for rectification and stabilisation works to the slope,” said Dr Khir.

He added that work must start soon.

“PWD has been roped in to monitor the slope while Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) and engineering consultants Ikram will make sure that the repair works are according to specifications.

“The developer will take about a month or two to finish the works, after which residents can move back in. The homes are safe for staying, and this is the word I received from the experts,” said Dr Khir.

In a statement, Pilihan Megah Sdn Bhd property director Datuk David Tan said the developer would work closely with the authorities on the slope repairs.

He said that due to the urgent nature of the work, the local authority had requested the company to jointly assist in the stabilisation works to the damaged slope.

“Although the housing units were completed in 2000 and maintenance of the area was handed over to the local council in 2002, as the developer, we will make every effort to extend our co-operation and assistance to the authorities in this matter,” added Tan.

After the inspection, Dr Khir said it was the characteristics of the earth that was not compact and, when water seeped through, it inadvertently softened the earth.

“When it rains, the earth will start sliding.

“The developer will have to build a retaining wall,” said Dr Khir.

He said the cost of repair work and building the wall would be borne by the developer.

He added that slopes were constantly monitored, but in this case, the slope was located at the back of the houses and it made monitoring a little bit harder.

“For affected units, we have provided council homes for the residents. MPSJ will take care of the vacated properties until the residents can return.”

Following the technical and crisis management meeting held last Friday to discuss rescue of the slope, two committees have been formed, namely, the disaster and crisis committee, which is headed by Subang Jaya OCPD ACP Muhammad Fuad Talib, and the technical monitoring committee headed by MPSJ president Adnan Mohd Ikhsan.

The disaster and crisis committee will carry out security checks and be on 24-hour standby for further rescue, if needed.

Kinrara assemblyman Dr Kow Cheong Wei, who was present at the meeting, said Ikram would conduct an independent investigation with the help of Selangor Geoscience Department.

“I have also asked Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) to build a temporary system that will divert the sewerage pipes, while TNB will cut off electricity supply.

“As for the residents' welfare, 10 families out of the 14 have opted to stay in council homes temporarily and keys were distributed to them after the meeting,” said Dr Kow.