Sudden water cut shocks condo residents

22/09/2007 The Star By FAZLEENA AZIZ

IT surely was a rude shock for residents of Desa View Tower, Jalan Klang Gate, Kuala Lumpur, when their water supply was suddenly cut off without any prior notice or warning. Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) workers went to the area on Tuesday to turn off the water supply purportedly because the residents had an outstanding arrear of RM344,324.20.

Engku Hassan Engku Chik Ahmad, speaking on behalf of the residents, said that it was certainly insensitive and inconsiderate of Syabas to take such a drastic action during the fasting month of Ramadan.

“We have families living here and for them to cut our basic necessity is just not right. We are aware of the problem and we want to settle the amount,” he said.

No water supply: A Syabas official working at the source of the condo’s water supply. The company claims that 15 warning letters were sent to the residents.
“Our problem began when the first management company went bankrupt in 1999 and since then we have gone through several management companies. The accumulated outstanding amount is due to poor management of bills,” Hassan said.

“We collected money from the residents and paid two current payments, which was about RM13,000 in July and August. We came to an understanding with an officer at the Syabas headquarters in mid-July to have individual meters installed and to have the RM340,000 arrears problem settled,” Hassan said.

“Why did Syabas allow such a big amount of arrear to accumulate in the first place? Why wasn’t the plan of meter installation communicated to its Gombak office, which sent workers to cut the supply? If the company wants to go ahead with the water cut, why did they accept our payments?” Hassan asked.

Syabas general manager (corporate communications and public affairs) Abdul Halem Mat Som said in a statement that the company had sent 15 warning letters to the residents between August 2005 and March this year.

“A ‘high outstanding balance reminder’ was sent to the management company on April 2, and on Sept 11, we sent a letter for the remaining payment. We have no choice but to cut the water supply. It will be reconnected only after payment is made,” he said..“Our action isn't without much consideration; we are merely following procedures according to our policies and the law. We urge the residents to settle the arrears immediately,” Halem said.

The Desa View Tower has 420 condominium units but only 262 units are currently occupied.