RESIDENTS of Taman Bukit Mewah in Tampoi here are irked by noise and dust pollution caused by construction nearby.
Some 50 residents living in the area surrounding Kemayan City, which was once touted as a white elephant, claimed they could feel tremors from the works carried out by the developer at the site.
“We support the development of the site as Kemayan City was an eyesore. However, since the takeover by a new developer for a year now, there have been numerous complaints,” said Mohd Yazid Darus, 36, an imam of Al-Mahabbah mosque nearby.
“Dust and dirt have flown into the homes and deposited on cars. Residents cannot hang their clothes outside to dry.
“Some residents, especially the elderly and toddlers, are suffering from lung infection and other health issues.”
Yazid believed the health problems were attributed to the pollution.
“My wife is pregnant and I have two young children,” he said, adding that he had lodged complaints at various government departments.
Yusaini Ali, 43, of the Taman Bukit Mewah Area Neighbourhood Watch, said he had received more than 20 complaints from residents concerning the construction.
“I hope the developer will advise his contractor to minimise the impact of the development on the surrounding area.”
“Residents are worried because they can feel tremors. I, too, am worried about my family’s safety. Another common complain is noise. The contractor carries out works until the wee hours. We have children and there are elderly folk here who need sleep. Everyone needs rest after a hard day’s work.”
A resident, Francis Pay, 61, said his house, located 20m from the site, was badly affected.
“It is frustrating to have to sweep and mop our floors every day. We find a layer of dust and dirt on the floors and on our cars as soon as we have completed cleaning. Not being able to dry our clothes outside is not only incovenient but also annoying.”
Pay said the situation has been going on for a year and his patience was wearing thin.
Property developer WCT Hartanah Jaya Sdn Bhd senior project manager Teng Wei Hong was recently at the site with Johor Baru city councillor (community services) Ali Alwee.
Teng said while he understood the frustration of the residents, it was necessary to carry out structural repairs.
“The Kemayan City project has been abandoned for a long time and the damage is extensive.”
Teng said they would try to complete the repair works in two months. He said the project involved the construction of a service apartment and a four-star hotel.
Teng said the project would also have a 10-level shopping mall, which would be completed in June 2016, while the apartments and hotel were targeted for completion in the middle of 2017.
“We would have to minimise the impact of construction works to make things more bearable for the residents.”
Ali said he would organise a forum between the residents and the developer to resolve the issue.
“The local council would monitor the situation and seeks the cooperation of the contractor to pay for any repair if their construction work had damaged the surroundings.”