SEVERAL residents’ associations have voiced their concern over the proposed condominium project at Jalan Medang Kapas in Bukit Bandaraya.

Coalition of Bukit Antarabangsa RAs (Cobara) spokesman Dr Mohd Rafick Khan said Kuala Lumpur City Hall, aside from guaranteeing the safety of the residents there, must also guarantee the safety of residents who will be living in the area in the future.

“It is also not economically feasible for the local authority, which will have to bear the maintenance cost for the slope once the development is completed,” he said.

“The developer may be paying the quit rent and assessment fees but the income stream is small when compared with the profit it will make from the completed project. Furthermore, the slope must be maintained for as long as it is there,” he added.

Dr Rafick said residents’ worries about new hillslope developments also stemmed from their lack of trust in the local authorities.

“Residents do not see the local authorities as fair to all parties. The perception is that local councils tend to side with developers,” he said.

Taman Hijau (Ampang) Residents’ Association president Tengku Rozani Putra said City Hall should exercise caution in the Bangsar hillslope development project.

“Although the existing highrise developments in the area are stable, the construction of a new one may have an impact on them. I say, enough with developments on hillslopes. Bangsar is dense enough already. City Hall should look at preserving the remaining open spaces for the public,” she said.

Maxwell Towers (Petaling Jaya) Residents’ Association secretary Yeoh Kean Wah sympathised with the Jalan Medang Kapas’ residents. The RA is part of the Joint Action Committee for Bukit Gasing.

“I’m disappointed that despite the danger of hillslope developments, City Hall seems persistent in approving them. It does not go down well, especially as City Hall’s track record has shown a lack of control in that area.

“It is also sad that despite the Highland Towers, Bukit Antarabangsa and the Amanah Raya tragedies, residents do not have a authority that listens to them. All because it’s developers first and residents last,” Yeoh said.

Yesterday, Malay Mail front-paged the fears of Jalan Medang Kapas residents that another Bukit Antarabangsa tragedy could occur in their neighbourhood with the construction of a 17-storey condominium project smack in the middle of four other condominiums there.

The site, a half-acre plot, is sandwiched between the Sri Kasturina Condominium on its left and the Araville condo on its right. The KEN is situated directly behind while Bayu Angkasa condo is just across the road.