Hilltop development has residents holding their breath
The Star 20/11/2004

RESIDENTS of Taman Kooperasi Cuepacs Phase One in Cheras are worried that development atop Bukit Sungai Putih may cause floods and landslides big enough to be a danger to their neighbourhood.  

Residents’ Association president Reginald Govindan said their concerns over the land clearing activities on the 2.02ha site have fallen on deaf ears for more than a year. 

“We are not against the development,” he said. “But we fear that the works, if not properly carried out, will affect the environment of the 28-year-old neighbourhood.  

“Silt is washed down from the hill and are filling up our drains. It will definitely cause floods or, worse still, landslides if the activities are allowed to go on on the hilltop,” he said, adding that blasting and pilling works also affected the serenity of the housing area.  

Gomez showing the effects of the development that are washed down from atop the hill and are trapped in streams and drains below.

“We hope the developer is not building apartments or condominiums on the land,” said Govindan. “If they do, we hope they implement necessary safety measures to protect the residents living at the bottom of the hill.”  

An association committee member A. Gomez said the recent wet spell had the residents worried.  

“We hope the relevant authorities will look into the matter, and give us peace of mind,” he added.