Bangsar Park residents have grown accustomed to frequent water supply disruptions, resulting in great hardship.
The problem is fast becoming a part of daily life here.
Developed in the early 1970s, Bangsar Park, where I live, is one of the oldest residential areas in Kuala Lumpur.
In the early days, residents only encountered infrequent water supply disruptions, which were manageable.
However, as development intensifies around Bangsar Park, water issues have grown more serious.
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Just last week alone, residents had to face several water supply disruptions that caused immense hardship.
Regrettably, no notice was given ahead of each disruption. At the very least, the authorities should have alerted the Bangsar Park Residents’ Association. This would have enabled information about the looming water disruption to be posted on the residents’ association’s chat group.
On 19 January we encountered another day of water disruption. Can the authorities assure us we will not face such inconvenience anymore?
Alternatively, if a disruption is inevitable, shouldn’t the residents be given sufficient notice so we can prepare for it?
Of late, the disruptions have become more frequent. While I was having lunch at a restaurant recently, the owner told me of the immense problems his business faces due to the disruptions. I am certain all the other businesses in the area face a similar predicament.
Bangsar Park residents now feel this problem goes beyond the water utility provider. It should now be taken up by Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the relevant federal ministry.
I am no expert on water matters. But as a layman, I feel the relevant authorities should investigate these disruptions and ask themselves a few basic questions.
- Why are the water pipes bursting so often?
- Are the water disruptions related to the unrestrained development in and around Bangsar Park?
- Is there a plan to replace old pipes in stages, not only in Bangsar Park but all over the country?
- What are the contingency measures that could be taken to mitigate against such disruptions? (Perhaps water tankers could be dispatched to affected areas at least twice a day during these disruptions).
- Why aren’t the residents’ associations alerted to these disruptions?
Perhaps the authorities could rope in experts such as former Klang MP Charles Santiago (widely acknowledged to be an expert in water management and supply) to give their views and recommendations.
Residents in nearby Lucky Garden face a similar problem. The problem was especially acute during the recent disruption just ahead of the Lunar New Year festivities.
Hopefully, these disruptions will be a thing of the past in this Year of the Rabbit, as this animal is considered to be a symbol of fortune. Bangsar Park and Lucky Garden residents deserve a break from their prolonged water woes.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
