Residents hope that the stalled sewerage upgrading work in Taman Melawati, Ampang will be completed soon as it is causing traffic congestion in the area.
THE stalled sewerage upgrading work in Taman Melawati, Ampang resumes this month, said the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
The project came to an abrupt halt in August after the contractors appointed were terminated for failing to adhere to safety protocols.
The project, which started in 2013 and was expected to be completed in 2018, includes laying new sewer pipelines via the pipe-jacking and open-cut methods.
It was initiated by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (Kettha), with Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd as project consultant and the Sewerage Services Department as the implementing agency.
MPAJ president Abdul Hamid Abdul Hussain said several conditions had been imposed on the new contractors.
“We have ordered the previous contractors to close up the open manholes and ensure the entire area is barricaded.
“With the new contractors, we will be stringent in enforcing public safety measures. Before we approve the new work permits, we have asked them to complete the unfinished work at the existing sites.
“We ask that Kettha also have a hand in monitoring the project,” he said.
Abdul Hamid added that other areas where the project was taking place included Pandan Jaya, Kampung Melayu, Bukit Indah and Taman Kosas.
In May, a car driven by an elderly man skidded and plunged into a 12m-deep sewerage hole in Petaling Jaya. The injured 86-year-old driver died about two weeks later.
Taman Melawati (Zon E to P) Safety and Crime Prevention Society chairman Azhari Abdul Taharim said proper signages should be put up at the work sites.
“The old signages have deteriorated and cannot be seen in the dark, which is especially dangerous.
“We had complained that the worksites were not properly sealed off as there are only flimsy barricades.
“Many pedestrians, especially schoolchildren walk along here, so hopefully, MPAJ will take action soon,” he said.
Azhari hoped the project would be completed soon as the closure of the lanes was also causing congestion in the commercial area.
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