GEORGE TOWN – After a decade of pushing for much-needed repairs and maintenance at the low-cost flats in Jalan Tengah here, a PKR duo’s efforts have finally born fruit, with the buildings now boasting a fresh coat of paint and well-functioning facilities.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail had long sought residents’ agreement to chip in to help fund the refurbishment – a RM1.35 million undertaking that includes the repainting of 12 blocks, and crucial repairs to the roof, water tank and pipes.
The proposal mooted 10 years ago for 20% of the bill to be footed by residents, with the remainder to be paid for by the Penang government, was met with disapproval, Sim told The Vibes.
“We tried to push the project, but the residents were reluctant. So, we fought for better deals by lowering their commitment.”
The project was realised after Penang Development Corporation (PDC) was roped in to provide RM1.08 million, or 80% of the funding, while the state government injected 10%. The remainder was split between Sim and Saifuddin Nasution’s service centres, as well as residents’ contribution of RM12,000.
The Jalan Tengah flats symbolise the working class living in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, and had suffered from neglect over the years.
“We started pushing this last year, and work started in January (this year). I was still in the (federal) government in January,” said Sim.
“We want to thank the state government and PDC for doing this. It has changed the living environment for residents.
“To own and live in a house gives us stability, especially now with the movement control order, when we are advised to stay home.”
The flats fell into disrepair as previously, residents could not afford to contribute to a maintenance fund and some owners leased out their units to foreign workers.
The residents’ community management chairman, Lim Cheng San, said getting people to pay the maintenance fees is not easy.
“Now, you see that the buildings are beautifully painted. But, I feel that the mentality of the people living here has to change. If not, it will go back to square one.
“The maintenance fees are just RM30 to RM45 a month, depending on the unit (size). It is not expensive, but some residents just don’t want to pay up,” he said, adding that some have not done so for years.
“If they pay up, we will be able to fix the busted pipes and ripped roof, but as it is, when we ask a unit to give RM5 for a grass cutter to come and clear the compound, they don’t even pay. However, they can install Astro.”
Works to beautify the flats, built in the 1980s, started on January 27, and were supposed to be completed on July 26. However, the deadline has been pushed back to November 28 due to the Covid-19 situation.
So far, the project is 91% done. – The Vibes, October 23, 2020
