Thursday June 26, 2008
DBKL sets new ruling
By JAYAGANDI JAYARAJ
THE Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is going to make the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) a compulsory requirement in the development orders for future projects in the city.
The decision was made following the controversial Damansara 21 development project in Medan Damansara where the developer failed to produce a detailed ESCP to the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) before starting work in December 2007.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Ab Hakim Borhan said previously all earthwork approval did not require an approved ESCP from the DID under the DBKL system.
“However, the recommendations of the ESCP were included as a pre-requisite for the approval of earthworks for the Damansara 21 project,” said Hakim at the meet-the-press session yesterday.
Among the requirements were the need for silt management system and the management of all temporary gutters, silt traps, 'wash trough' and heavy-duty interlocking pavers.
Temporary silt traps should also be constructed stage by stage to prevent silt water from overflowing to the existing nearby lots and drains.
The developer is also required to cover all exposed slopes with grass to prevent land erosion.
“Currently the developer has submitted the ESCP report to the DBKL to be forwarded to the DID for approval,” said Hakim, adding that the DBKL's organisational structure was different from other local authorities as all technical departments were equipped with experts in their related fields.
“At other local councils, the departments would need the DID's assistance to obtain development approvals but not in the DBKL,” he explained.
In reply to media reports on development on slopes which are 35 degrees and above, the mayor said the Mineral and Geosciences Department (JMG) had no objections towards the Damansara 21 project.
Hakim added with proper earthwork done by the developer who has invested RM34mil on reinforcement works, the slope was stable and safe for housing.
“The slope is much safer now with the development than it was before because of good engineering works,” he said.
To monitor the works at the site, the DBKL has elected two independent consultants, Gue & Partners to check on the structural design and Asbi & Associates to monitor the project development and to send monthly reports to the DBKL especially on the geo-technical aspects.
Another decision made at the meeting was for residents associations to appoint a consultant to liaise with developers and the DBKL.
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