Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Residents: Act fast before another landslip occurs - The Star

May 6, 2008 - Story and photo by GEETHA KRISHNAN

A recent landslip in Section 7, Bandar Sungai Long in Kajang, has caused inconveniences for the residents in the area.

The access lane leading to Jalan SL 7/3 and 7/4 has been completely blocked by the mud and debris. According to residents, the landslip happened at 8am a fortnight ago when most of them were leaving for work.

Mud and trees came down the steep slope from a height of 20m to totally cover the lane, located two metres away from the nearest house.

Fencing put up for the privately- owned orchard above also came down.

Near miss: A landslip a fortnight ago has totally blocked the access lane between SL 7/3 and 7/4 in Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang. The affected slope is only metres away from the houses.

Section 7 Neighbourhood Watch Committee vice-chairman Simon Rayan said residents had witnessed minor landslips in the area but the latest one was the worst.

“We complained to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) on April 25 but the council staff who arrived at the scene later only took photos and went away. No effort has been taken to clear the mud and debris yet,” he said.

Committee treasurer Alan Yap said landslip incidents warrant serious action and the council should act before the worst happened.

“Furthermore, the slope is so steep and has not been reinforced.

“We have nothing to protect us from similar occurrences in the future,” he said.

Another resident who declined to be named said the slope had a 60% gradient and only a small portion had concrete reinforcement because one of the residents had hired a private contractor for the work.

Bandar Sg Long Public Services Centre (Dusun Tua state assembly) head Tony Mak said the blocked lane was a hazard to authorities like the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the police if they were required to attend to emergencies.

“More rain is expected during the next few weeks so we hope MPKj will carry out cleaning and clearing works as soon as possible.

“Remedial earthworks should also be carried out with immediate effect to stabilise the soil,” he added.

Residents also collectively complained that the council had failed to maintain the drains and playground in the housing area.

“As a result, residents pooled their own resources and organised their schedules to upkeep the area.

A resident known only as Teng claimed Tenaga Nasional Berhad workers who chopped down some tree branches lately just left the pile there.

“An elderly resident thought she could clear the mess by starting a fire but it spread quickly and burnt up a tree.

“Thankfully, no one was hurt but it shows the lack of responsibility on TNB’s part,” he said, adding that the housing area also needed more streetlights.

There was no response from the council till press time.

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