The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Communication unit to address residents’ concerns Posted: 05 Jun 2011 07:45 PM PDT A STRATEGIC Communication Unit will be set up by the developer to tackle problems and address concerns brought up by residents at the redevelopment of the Sustainable People's Housing for Urban Renewal project in Cheras. Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin has directed property developer SP Setia Sdn Bhd who are the project contractor to keep communications channels open between the residents to ensure a two-way communication between the stakeholders — Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Ministry. SP Setia Sdn Bhd has been picked to redevelop the ageing Seri Johor, Seri Pulau Pinang and Seri Melaka low-cost apartments and the Taman Ikan Emas low-cost homes in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras. According to ministry sources, the project is about putting people and their views first, hence it is important to consult the residents and get their views during the development and ensure that any queries or grouses by the stakeholders regarding the project can be addressed. The Sustainable People's Housing for Urban Renewal project is part of the government's urban renewal programme to inject life into decaying and ageing townwhips and slum areas in the Federal Capital. The project undertaken by the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry and City Hall will see many old low-cost housing projects in the city being redeveloped to provide the urban poor better living conditions. The renewal programme includes demolishing old low-cost flats and houses and rebuilding units with more rooms and living space that are more conducive and with better facilities, said Nong Chik. "Other areas proposed for this redevelopment projects are San Peng in Pudu, Kg Kerinchi and Sri Pahang in Pantai Dalam and other areas in the city with flats over 30 years old. "This project is initiated to provide KL-ites with better living conditions and enhance their quality of life,'' Nong Chik said. When announcing the urban renewal project for Cheras and Bandar Tun Razak recently, Nong Chik said the project valued at RM2.8bil will include; phase 1 — the development of a total of 1,255 units of affordable housing which will take about three years to complete; and phase 2 — an apartment housing project targeted at young executives. It covers an area of 53.4 hectares. Once Phase 1 is completed, units would be returned to the DBKL to be sold or rented. All units will have three bedrooms, basic facilities include parking bay, a recreation area, clubhouse and a multi-purpose hall. Nong Chik added that the residents need not be relocated during the redevelopment exercise as it was a big area and the project will be carried out in phases. Related Story: |
| Posted: 05 Jun 2011 07:44 PM PDT Kuala Lumpur's low-cost housing schemes built in the early 1970s and 80s are no longer conducive for living. The Government's effort to redevelop these houses to provide comfortable housing and a better living environment should be lauded. StarMetro reports. A GROUP of children played along the corridors of the Seri Pulau Pinang low-cost flats in Bandar Tun Razak Cheras — oblivious to their messy surroundings. Without caring for the world, they laughed and chased each other from one end of the corridor to the other in excitement. It makes one wonder whether in a few years time, when these children were older, wiser and more aware of their living conditions, would they still be hanging out at the corridor? It is no secret that Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) older low-cost flats and housing schemes are too small with no facilities like open areas or recreation spots for children to play and hang out. The cramped living conditions often drive these children to hang out elsewhere, and at times the places they run away to seek respite from their overcrowded homes, are not always a healthy environment. Often, to get away from their overcrowded abodes, they often hang out with wrong individuals and get mixed up in seedy activities. Melati (not her real name) who lives at the Seri Pulau Pinang low-cost flats in Cheras, said she often found her two-bedroom unit stiffling and overcrowded. "I live there with my parents, four brothers and two sisters,'' said the 17-year-old. "Sometimes I wish I could just run away and go somewhere where I can be alone. It is so stressful here (home),'' she added. Melati's feelings is not uncommon. In fact many children who were born and bred under such circumstances often seek to escape elsewhere and at times many get involved in illegal activities like stealing and illegal motorcycle racing. The truth is the younger generation are not the only ones affected by the situation. Newlywed Kasturi (not her real name) lives at Seri Melaka low-cost flats with her husband and in-laws. "It can get a bit overcrowded here and at times it creates tension within the family,'' said the 31-year-old kindergarten teacher. "I sometimes wished that I could move out and get my own apartment, but we can't afford that at the moment,'' she said. Mokhtar Ranib has been living in a two-bedroom unit in Seri Melaka flats for over 28 years with six members of his family. He recalled how difficult it was especially when his children were growing up. "Everyone was on each other's nerves all the time and things often got out of hand with minor squabbles among the children,'' the 67-year-old said. When the Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin announced that the Government was building more comfortable houses by redeveloping the older units recently, it got everyone in the neighbourhood excited. The redevelopment project will see an end to the one- and two-bedroom units, as all the new units being built will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms with bigger space and better facilities including recreation areas. Under the project, tenants who prefer to buy the units can purchase them at RM42,000 or those who could not afford may continue to rent the unit at RM124 — the current market rate. No doubt many tenants expressed their excitement over the project, but they were concerned about securing bank loans to buy the units. Mokhtar was pleased that his apartment has been earmarked for redevelopment plans. But he was worried that he may not be able to afford it when it is ready. "I am 67. Who is going to give me a loan to buy my place,'' he lamented. Securing the loan to buy their dream home would probably be the biggest hurdle for urban dwellers like Mokhtar and Kasturi. The Government is doing something to resolve this setback and hopefully they would be able to find a solution and enable poor urban residents to finally buy the homes of their dreams. Related Story: |
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