Taman Desawan residents want permanent solution to sinking problem

Tuesday, 01 November 2011 15:04

On the verge of collapse: Chong taking a closer look at one of the affected houses.

Residents of Taman Desawan in Klang are living in fear as several houses were damaged following the appearance of a sinkhole in the area.

Those living in Lorong Gambus 4A and Lorong Gambus 4B — are the worst affected with at least six houses already declared unsafe by the authorities.

Two houses in Jalan Gambus 4A and four units in Jalan Gambus 4B, including a corner lot, are on the verge of collapse.

These houses are located along the banks of Sungai Aur and cracks have appeared on walls since 2004.

Chong Koon Lai, 63, who lives two doors away from the corner lot at Jalan Gambus 4B said all the owners of the badly damaged houses had been ordered out of their premises.

"The corner house appears to be on the verge of collapsing at any time with beams and structures about to give way."

"My immediate neighbour’s house has cracks. Cracks have also appeared on the walls of my house," said Chong.

He added that the occupants on the opposite row had also vacated.

Chong said he and his wife moved into the area three years ago from Kedah as the couple wanted to stay nearer their son who lived in Klang. "We regretted buying the house and I hope that the Klang Municipal Council will find a solution to this problem.

"We were told that the houses were damaged due to earth slips," he said.

Chong said he and his neigbours were in a dilemma over the status of their properties.

Another resident wanted a permanent solution to be offered to home owners residing near the damaged units.

He said the idea of ordering the occupants to vacate their houses after the units were declared unsafe had not reflected well on the authorities.

"They should give us a solution to ensure that the remaining houses are safe so we do not have to face a similar situation in the future," he said.

From The Star Property