Pandan MP to get Alam Flora to repair clogged drain at Taman Muda

Pandan MP to get Alam Flora to repair clogged drain at Taman Muda

NADIRAH H. RODZI Friday, July 16th, 2010 11:07:00

 

ANGRY PROTEST: Residens and hawkers vent their frustration with posters at Taman Muda

AMPANG JAYA: Residents and hawkers along Jalan Bunga Ranjung 10 in Taman Muda here are crying foul over the stench emanating from a clogged drain.

According to the hawkers, the drain has been stagnant due to rubbish for the past two weeks costing them many customers.

"I have complained to the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and Alam Flora Sdn Bhd but no action has been taken," said hawker Ching Cheong Seng, 53, yesterday.

"Compared to other hawkers, I am most affected as the stagnant water is just beside my stall. It's messing up my business." Resident Wong Ah Tai, 50, said Alam Flora has not done anything despite constant complaints from residents and hawkers.

"We have also complained to DAP's Teratai assemblyman Jenice Lee. We are still waiting for a solution as the stench from the murky drain is overpowering," he said.

The Malay Mail contacted a contractor appointed by Alam Flora, Zalino Enterprise whose area cleanliness supervisor, Mohd Hafizi Yusuf, clarified they have tried to help residents and hawkers but were not allowed to carry out repair works on the drain.

"We come here everyday to clean the area and that is our job, but there were lots of times when we were told off by hawkers to not carry out any repair works simply because they are trying to make money," said Mohd Hafizi.

"So what can we do about it? We tried to solve the issue but they do not give us the chance and time to repair the drain by sucking up the oil that has been dumped by hawkers themselves." Mohd Hafizi said the clogged drain problem started over three months ago.

"Cleaning up the drain would be easier if the hawkers do not dump oil which turns into grease and when the weather gets cold, the grease clogs up the drain, and with whatever rubbish is thrown in, this causes the stench," he said.

"Hawkers have to temporarily close their stalls for us to carry out repair works. Two days is all we need and they can enjoy a cleaner place afterwards." Pandan MP Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat's special officer, Cindy Leong Siew Kam, said an arrangement will be made to enable Alam Flora to undertake repair works.

"We want to resolve this matter as soon as possible. The hawkers need to give and take. We understand that they want to continue with their business but the clogged drain is also affecting their business," she said.