Concerned over hill development in Cheras

All too familiar : The earth works on a slope near Jalan Senjolong, Cheras, has raised concerns among nearby residents.

RESIDENTS of Taman Pertama, Taman Cantik and Taman Bukit Ria in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur have expressed their concern over a nearby development on a hill near Jalan Senjolong.

They have noticed some earth works and land clearing being carried out on a Class 3 slope. The development on the 0.809ha land will see luxury condominiums being built next to a forest reserve near Pudu.

The development order had already been issued by KL City Hall (DBKL) some years back.

The project is due to be completed in three years.

A meeting was held with some concerned residents together with the developer, DBKL representatives and Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai.

Issues raised by the residents include the use of residential roads by the lorries carrying construction materials, safety and security — as the development is located on a hillside — and, protection of the environment.

Tan also raised a few issues like the use of the access road from Taman Kopena, signboard indicating development, the use of reinforced concrete wall and a topography map and monitoring of the slope.

“Residents are feeling uncomfortable and unsafe because of the slope works being carried out at the site.

“They are already aware of many hillside tragedies, so they don’t want an unfortunate incident to occur.

“Assurance is needed because the local community have been informed about what is happening,” he said.

According to the developer Orando Holdings Sdn Bhd, a 20.1m-wide road will be built from the site leading to Pandan Perdana.

Its executive director Eng Wei Chun said: “We had obtained approval from six departments — Ikram (Public Works Institure), Public Works Department Slope Engineering Branch, Forestry Department, DBKL, and Land and Mineral Office.”

He added that they had adhered to all the regulations and building guidelines before obtaining the development order.

It was mentioned that silt traps would be built after earth works and clearing were done to divert water into temporary drains.

This will ensure that any erosion caused by the water can be discharged properly.

After a series of discussion, the developer agreed to gather all the relevant materials pertaining to the development to be scrutinised by Tan and the community.

By The Star