Don't compromise public safety and convenience

KUALA Lumpur folk are witnessing a hive of construction activities in the city involving either the private or public sectors.

While the public welcome these development projects, they would also like to see orderly development with due regard being given to public safety and convenience.

One such major infrastructure project is the Sungai Buloh -- Kajang Mass Rapid Transit where many project work sites are located along its route.

While we agree with the need for the MRT project, we are of the view that the expected inconvenience it causes to the public must be minimised.

However, having seen and experienced the road conditions where the MRT project sites are located on a daily basis, it would appear that the contractors are not doing much to minimise inconvenience to the public.

MRT Corporation, in a letter published in the local media on Jan 18, stated that public safety was its "top priority" at all Sungai Buloh -- Kajang Mass Rapid Transit project work sites.

According to the company, it is serious about safety and it imposes a safety, health and environment (SHE) standard operating procedure (SOP) at all sites without exception.

It said regular meetings were held by MRT Corp's standard and compliance department with all parties to ensure strict adherence to safety practices listed in SHE and SOP.

This sounds good on paper but is there any effective monitoring to ensure that public safety is in fact the top priority in respect of work carried out by contractors at all work sites.

Based on my observation and public feedback, work carried out by the MRT Corp contractors have not given due regard to public convenience and safety.

Construction works at several of its project sites have caused extensive damage to the drainage system, leading to flash floods after a downpour. Jalan Duta is a good example.

Extensive usage by heavily-loaded lorries and trucks moving construction materials and debris in and out of the MRT construction site in Jalan Cochrane and Jalan Shelly have resulted in the formation of potholes on the affected roads which pose a danger to motorcyclists and small vehicles, particularly at night.

Furthermore, the drain outside the construction site along Jalan Cochrane and Jalan Shelly has also been badly damaged and clogged leading to flash floods after downpours which result in massive traffic jams.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall has told MRT Corp to make good damage caused but they are either slow in responding and that has resulted in more public inconvenience.

Furthermore, digging operations by contractors have resulted in underground water pipes in the Cheras area bursting on several occasions, leading to water disruption which affected many residents.

Other inconveniences such as the reduction of road space for traffic is in fact one of the causes of the massive congestion in all the affected areas.

While we appreciate the need for the MRT public transport project, it is necessary for the company to ensure that its contractors are more responsible and considerate, in the interest of public safety.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE Kuala Lumpur