BY OH ING YEEN

TRAFFIC congestion, intermittent electricity and water supply disruptions, and safety issues are among the problems faced by residents and business owners of Hulu Langat since the Langat Centralised Sewage Treatment Plant project began last year.

Fed up with the recurring problems, they held a protest to voice their displeasure.

Taman Impian Ehsan, Seri Kembangan resident Shairi Mokhtar said water disruptions in his neighbourhood occurred two to three times a month.

“It would happen suddenly. It also occurred during the Hari Raya festive period,” he said.

“Within two months, there have been 12 cases of burst pipes near one of the project sites.

“We want the project to be relocated,” he said.

Selesa Jaya Industrial Park Factory Manufacturers and Business Association chairman Andrew Cheong said the project affected the business community and posed safety risks.

“Contractors dug up holes and just left them there, without putting up any warning signs, making it dangerous for motorists.

“There was no notification when they closed the roads and we had to reroute our journey,” he said.

Balakong assemblyman Eddie Ng who was also present, said the project which began on Jan 14 last year, was expected to be completed by March 13 next year.

“There was no proper traffic planning before the project started, and not enough flagmen and warning signs.

“The project has also damaged roads and the repair work was below par.

“It has also led to cracks and damages to building structures near the sites,” he said.

Ng added that according to Hulu Langat District Office health officers, some of the project sites became mosquito breeding grounds, especially at abandoned barriers where project were carried out.

He said he was informed by contractors that they faced technical problems on-site and have to wait for technical aid before they could continue.

“As the project owner, Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) has to immediately resolve these technical problems,” said Ng.

Also present were Kajang municipal councillors Mad Shahmiour Mat Kosim, Young Syefura Othman, So Lian Kiong, Julie Pang and Khoo Khim Han.

Mad Shahmiour said there seemed to be no proper planning.

“Like in Jalan Tun Perak, (Cheras) the holes were dug up for the fourth time, three lanes became two (due to lane closure) and this has caused congestion.

“Problems keep recurring and we cannot tolerate it anymore,” he said.

Young Syefura spoke on behalf of the 30 neighbourhoods in the zone, saying: “While the contractors do respond to our complaints, the problems keep recurring.”