This eye-sore in Jalan Dato Bandar Tunggal, often referred to as Seremban’s public ‘swimming pool’, will be developed into a commercial complex.

SEREMBAN: It is jokingly referred to as Seremban’s public "swimming pool", but to many locals, it has been an eye-sore and a source of embarrassment for more than a decade.

About 11 years ago, the site in Jalan Dato Bandar Tunggal housed primary and secondary schools. But those famous institutions, sadly, had to make way for a commercial project.

The developer, however, only managed to construct a basement before abandoning the project during the economic downturn.

Over the years, the project site became a huge mosquito breeding pool as rain water collected in it.

The situation, however, is about to change, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said yesterday.
"Finally, after years of trying to solve this problem, we will see the end of that ‘pool’," he said after chairing the state executive council meeting.

Mohamad said the area would be developed into a commercial complex, but declined to name the company which will undertake the new project.

He said the developer had agreed to the state government’s condition to also develop a public square beside the six-storey complex.

"I have seen the plans and I can assure you the place will look beautiful," Mohamad said.

He also allayed fears that the complex would further worsen the already congested area, saying traffic would be more organised once the Middle Ring Road project is completed and more car parks are made available.

"The problem with Seremban, especially in town, is that there are not enough car parks."

On the recently announced pay increase for government workers, Mohamad said the exercise would cost the state government an additional RM12 million a year.

Mohamad, on behalf of the state civil sector, also applauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for the salary revision.

"We all agree it was due. Personally, I was pleasantly surprised by the quantum," he said.

The Menteri Besar said civil servants should translate their gratitude for the pay hike by improving work quality and productivity.

He also warned traders not to take advantage of the salary increase by raising retail prices, adding that the situation would be monitored closely by the relevant authorities.