(Left) Residents from Canary Garden KSL in Bandar Bukit Tinggi 3, Klang, have to resort to hiring their own contractor to repair broken infrastructure in their neighbourhood. — Courtesy photo
A RESIDENTS association coalition in Klang has echoed a call by StarMetro for local authorities to appoint dedicated supervisors to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure management in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
The Bandar Parklands Residents Association Coalition in Zone N46D of Bandar Bukit Tinggi 3 said the current system, which often relies on reactive measures and ad-hoc solutions, is insufficient.
They said issues such as poorly maintained roads, inadequate drainage systems and delayed repairs have become common in areas under the jurisdiction of Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
As such, there is a need for more efficient and regular maintenance work by assigned contractors.
The group comprises about 10 neighbourhoods, including Kota Bayu Emas, Delima 4-5, Delima 15, Delima 16, D-Laman and Canary Garden KSL.
Kota Bayu Emas Residents Association (RA) deputy chairman Brian Raj said the dedicated infrastructure supervisors were needed.
They should be clad in special uniforms and be easily identifiable.
“Bandar Parklands was previously an oil palm estate.
“But it has gone through drastic changes with many development projects built, including the LRT3.
“Our area’s councillor was only recently appointed; we were without one for seven months,” said Brian.
StarMetro report on Sept 21.
The coalition was commenting on a report in the StarMetro Citycism column on Sept 21 (“Engaging citizens to report damaged structures”) which urged local councils to streamline repairs and maintenance processes by hiring infrastructure supervisors.
Brian said when there is a change in councillors, a new person comes in and has to start all over again.
“Some councillors also have their own political agendas,” he said in supporting the call by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah for 50% of local councillors in the state to comprise professionals.
On channelling complaints through the Public Complaints Management System (Sispaa) system, Delima 4-5 Parklands RA assistant secretary S. Ramachandren said not everyone was able to follow up using this method.
“Infrastructure supervisors can ensure timely response in resolving issues,” he said.
“For example, an infrastructure supervisor could monitor the KDEB Waste Management contractors to ensure they are doing a proper job.”
Delima 4-5 RA deputy chairman Capt (R) T. Thevendran said the coalition highlighted some of their issues to MBDK in March this year, such as requesting a maintenance schedule for all scopes of work, heavy vehicles parked in residential areas, uneven roads and potholes as well as abandoned cars.
The process of reporting issues can be streamlined further and problems monitored by a supervisor, he said.
