Lee (left) and Siew showing the alignment of the upcoming TNB high-voltage transmission lines project in Taman Cheras Hartamas, Cheras.
RESIDENTS of Taman Cheras Hartamas, Cheras, fear that an upcoming Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) high-voltage transmission lines project above high-pressure water pipes will be a safety hazard.
They said that in the event of a burst pipe, the water could shoot upwards towards the cables and cause an untoward incident, adding that the pipe system was connected to several neighbourhoods in the area.
Taman Cheras Hartamas Residents Association chairman Lee Song Sin said they only found out about the water pipes, which ran under two of the monopoles, about three weeks ago.
“TNB has already installed several of the seven monopoles in the area and is expected to complete the project by end of the year. How could they have allowed the cables to run over the water pipes?” he questioned.
“During our meeting on June 6 with Selangor Infrastructure and Public Facilities Committee chairman Zaidy Abdul Talib, TNB, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ), Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) and MRT Corp, our proposal to have an underground transmission line was dismissed without giving us reasons.
“Our concerns about the project were also not addressed satisfactorily.
“This is disappointing as it involves our safety,” said Lee.
“Our last resort is to take legal action if no middle ground is found between the parties involved,” he said.
Another resident, Siew Hoi Chin, 54, said there was a discrepancy in the information provided on the project.
“While we have been told the pipes are at the minimum three-metre deep, in reality, it is only one metre.
“We urge TNB to halt the project while a middle ground is found between all the parties,” he said.
The pylons are being built to provide power supply to the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant and the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line.
When contacted, TNB vice-president (transmission) Datuk Ho Peng Choong said constructing the transmission line underground was technically unfeasible.
“The state government, through Zaidy, has already explained the decision of the state to Teratai assemblyman Tiew Way Keng and residents.
“As detailed, there is no reason to be concerned as the monopoles are adequately designed and earthed to ensure safety to the public.
“Monopoles are used in many places in TNB installations as well as utilities around the world.
“Also, the line cannot be underground as the line requires high reliability to ensure stable and secure supply to the Langat 2 and MRT projects,” he said.
