KUALA LUMPUR – After close to six years of daily inconveniences caused by the delayed progress of a sewerage project, fed-up Taman Melawati residents took to the streets to air their grievances.
In a protest this morning, some 20 residents and supporters gathered to voice their frustrations with the project, pointing to project consultant Puncak Niaga Construction Sdn Bhd (PNC).
Organised and led by Taman Melawati Residents Association chairman Azhari Abd Taharim, the protest featured banners lambasting the then Energy, Green Technology, and Water Ministry, which had initiated the project at five locations in Taman Melawati.
Currently, the ongoing project is being implemented by the Sewerage Services Department (JPP) under the purview of the Environment and Water Ministry.
He said the public infrastructure project first began in 2015, and was expected to be completed by 2018. As this year comes to a close, construction works do not appear to be ending soon.
Azhari – who is also leader of a committee dedicated to resolving the matter – said in his communications with PNC and other stakeholders, he was fed countless excuses to justify the delays in the project.
“Sometimes, they would tell me that the work had to be put on hold due to the land being too hard or because there was a new manager.
“The lack of funding is another problem. I do not know why funds are not being given to PNC, but it is clear that as long as the company does not receive its allocation, it will not be able to keep to the deadline.”
The crowd of supporters had been vocal about their exasperation, with some shouting for Gombak MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali – who is also international trade and industry minister – to show up and aid his constituents.
“We are extremely disappointed to witness the neverending instances of stalled and non-progressive sewerage upgrading works, resulting in abysmal road conditions dangerous for motorists and pedestrians alike.
“In fact, there have been incidents over the years where the condition of the road caused accidents and damaged vehicles,” Azhari said, adding that the large area conquered by the site in the middle of the road also creates unnecessary traffic jams.
“Over the years, Taman Melawati residents have had to put up with repeated empty promises by PNC and JPP. We are tired of the authorities who do not seem to be serious about resolving this massive problem.”
Among the demands put forward by protesters is for Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man to intervene and put an end to the uncertainty of the stalled sewerage project.
“If the project cannot be continued because of technical problems, all hoardings should be dismantled and holes covered so the road is safe for use.
“If PNC is unable to secure the budget from JPP or the ministry to complete the project, we demand for the government to instruct PNC to return the roads in Taman Melawati to their original condition and leave us in peace,” Azhari said. – The Vibes, December 12, 2021
