CRACKS CAUSED BY WATER EROSION
It removed soil under Block F of Taman Keramat Permai flats, says Selangor exco rep
CRACKS at Block F of Taman Keramat Permai flats were caused by groundwater erosion near one of the two stairs.
Selangor Housing and Urban Living Committee chairman Haniza Mohd Talha said water erosion, through time, had removed
the soil and created an empty space.
“Ikram (the Public Works Institute of Malaysia), in its report, said the groundwater had compromised the (stability of the) stairs on one side of the block, causing cracks to appear on the walls.
“Soil samples were taken from the block for further tests.
“According to the report by Ikram and the consulting firm, which was completed last week, the block was deemed safe to occupy.
“Repair work is being carried out to cover the cracks by a contractor, while Ikram will continue monitoring the building for six months for any sign of movement,” she told the New Straits
Times yesterday.
Haniza said redevelopment plan for the flats was still on the table, pending the outcome of engagement sessions with stakeholders on the guidelines.
“The stakeholders include municipal councils in the state and housing management bodies. We expect the guidelines to be ready in two months and they will be presented to the Selangor Economic Planning Committee.
“Any decision for redevelopment of old private and public housing schemes, including Taman Keramat Permai flats, will depend on the guidelines. We do not wish to make decisions in haste.
“We are gathering data (on old housing schemes) and feedback before deciding on the next course of action.”
It was reported that 118 residents from 37 families at the block were evacuated following the discovery of cracks on the fourth and fifth floors of the building.
The victims were relocated to a temporary shelter set up by the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council. They were allowed to return home on May 4.
Checks at the flats yesterday revealed that repair work to fill up the cracks was ongoing, with scaffolding erected in the affected areas.
Resident Shabnam Shaheen, 37, said she had been feeling uneasy since returning home.
“The consultant had taken samples of the soil here. We will have to wait for the laboratory result to know whether there are possibilities of further movement.
“We are on alert... ready to move out if the incident recurs. We might consider looking for another place to stay if the cracks reappear. I will not risk the safety of my children,” said the mother of three.