We refer to the press statements made by the Minister of Works, Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu on 7 and 8 October 2005 concerning the issue of KL-Putrajaya Highway.
We are delighted to learn that the Minister of Works is arranging a meeting to discuss the issue with us. For the record, we would like to categorically state that our position has never been about stopping or canceling the project nor hindering development. In fact we have stated many times through various forums that we support development.
We are concerned however on the issues of safety in which we are somewhat disappointed that the Minister had failed to address. The Minister stated in his letter that he cannot please everybody and that he is doing his job the best he can. The residents do not expect to be pleased however they do expect as citizens of this country, that their rights are respected. The residents also expect that development of such nature should also follow due process and guidelines especially when the issue concerns safety. The residents therefore expect the Minister to understand the issues, causes of the issues and address the issues appropriately. The residents should not be the victims of blunders made by the authorities! We dare to say that no resident would want to be made to live 2.3m from an elevated highway, neither would any professional planning to have an elevated highway running 2.3m away from residential houses!
We welcome the move to appoint independent consultants to investigate the reported cracks at houses caused by the construction work. As there are more and more residents reporting cracks at their houses, we believe to be fair, the construction work along Jalan 2/149 Bandar Baru Sri Petaling should be stopped temporally pending the completion of the investigation. We also expect the investigation work to be completed soonest possible and ratification work to be carried out immediately. This is critical as the festive seasons are approaching. It is inhumane to subject the residents to ‘celebrate’ their festive seasons without safety and peace of mind! The worst of all is something untowardly happens that can lead to serious destruction of property, injury and loss of life
Once again, we would like to thank all parties that sympathize and support us, specifically, the Barisan Backbencher Club led by Datuk Shahrir Samad and Kuala Lumpur City Hall led by Mayor Datuk Ruslin Hassan that had personally visited the site and the affected houses. We would also urge and welcome the Minister and his fellow cabinet colleagues to visit the site to understand the issues, the seriousness of the issues before making any major decision.
Nevertheless, we look forward to receiving the invitation and meeting with the Minister in order to achieve an amicable solution to the issues.
By,
Resident Representative.
Bandar Baru Sri Petaling.
9 October 2005 |
