Build-then-sell concept paper ready

The Star 29/03/2006

A PAPER on the build-then-sell concept for houses has been completed and will be presented to the Cabinet soon, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said.

“There are many things to consider, including the present and past systems.

“But what is important is to ensure that buyers’ interests are protected and that the development of affordable houses is not dropped,” he said during his winding-up speech.

He said laws had been revamped to ensure heavier sentences were meted out against developers who cheated buyers and abandoned projects.

“Just last week, a developer was charged in court. There are now tighter laws,” he added.

Ong said the Government realised that solid waste management was a critical issue that had to be addressed systematically, and the Solid Waste Management Bill would be tabled in Parliament soon.

On the Bukit Tagar landfill, blamed for polluting Sungai Selangor with ammonia, Ong said his ministry was waiting for the report by the Department of Environment.

He said the landfill, which received an average of 1,500 tonnes of solid waste daily from Kuala Lumpur, was designed with environmental impact in mind.

“The Bukit Tagar operators conduct their operations according to what is practised overseas,” he said.

“What happened recently was an unexpected incident whereby leacheate ran off from the dump but the matter was resolved immediately.”

Ong said solid waste from Selangor was not sent to the landfill because of logistical problems and a few transfer stations might have to be built as a solution.

“The ministry agrees with the suggestion that illegal dumpsites near Sungai Selangor be closed immediately.”

On suggestions by MPs that local authorities monitor development near rivers, Ong said they had the power to approve and control development activities within their jurisdiction.

“Before a project is approved, it will be referred to the relevant authorities, such as the DOE, to ensure that the projects abide by rules to control environmental and river pollution,” he said.

On the People’s Housing Programme, Ong said no project had been abandoned but some were delayed because of site, squatter and manpower problems.

On management of local authorities, Ong said several weaknesses, including lack of technical and professional expertise and financial resources, were identified and the Government had introduced 64 steps to overcome the problems.