Highrise havoc in PJ

When a heavy metal pole fell off the highrise construction site of the
Paramount View Condominium project at Lot P.T. 9, Section 22, Petaling Jaya
two days ago and became embedded deep in the middle of a parking area,
residents of Section 22 and Kampung Tunku could only be thankful that no one
was hurt.

The incident was the latest in a series of falling objects from the
construction site and the residents made their concerns heard when they held
a peaceful demonstration outside the project site at 9am yesterday.

"We are not against development, we just want the developers to be
responsible when it comes to their projects," said R. Indran, chairman of
the Kampung Tunku Residents' Association protem committee.

With more than 80 houses damaged by falling objects so far, he said the
picket was meant to be a reminder to the developer, Sri Aman Development Sdn
Bhd, to act responsibly, and also to create awareness among residents on the
seriousness of the problem before it's too late.

"It's scary because there is only a 20m space between the construction site
and the residential area," said Indran.

"The construction cranes can often be seen swinging over the roofs of the
nearest houses while carrying construction material."

Heavy vehicles transporting construction material have also damaged the road
from Jalan SS1/25 to Jalan 22/44, while creating noise and dust pollution,
he alleged.

"Besides that, the width of the open drains from Taman Bahagia has been
reduced to five feet due to blockage from construction waste. Now, the
residential area is prone to floods."

Indran claimed that flooding would affect two TNB sub-stations nearby.

"If water seeps into those sub-stations, I don't dare imagine what the
consequences would be."

The residents' protest also saw the presence of Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony
Pua, Kampung Tunku State assemblyman Lau Weng San and a councillor from
Petaling Jaya City Council, S. Ramakrishnan. Representatives from the
developers were not present.

Ramakrishnan said the local council is keeping a close eye on the situation
and is currently reviewing residents' demands that the developer's vehicles
use Jalan 1/26 instead of Jalan 1/25.

He said the council would be holding a meeting with the developer next week
to tackle the issue.

Malay Mail also contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Department
deputy director-general (operation) Rosli Hussin regarding the matter and he
said its Selangor branch would conduct an investigation on the site soon.