Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been blasted for pushing responsibility for the bridge collapse at the KL Eco City project to other parties.
This, said Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar is particularly since DBKL is a joint-venture partner in the massive project.
"It is regrettable that Kuala Lumpur mayor Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz is reluctant to take responsibility for the collapse of the pedestrian bridge at KL Eco City.
"He is pointing fingers at the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), when the KL Eco City is not only under the supervision of DBKL, but it is also a partner in the said project," she said in a statement today.
She recalled how in 2011 then Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and DBKL proudly announced the KL Eco City project as a strategic development for the capital city.
"However when a tragic incident happens [...] that results in a loss of life, DBKL quickly 'washes its hands' although investigations have not been completed," she said.
On Nov 15, 2011, The Star reported SP Setia Berhad launching its project as a joint venture with DBKL with a total gross development value of RM6 billion, with Nong Chik and the DBKL mayor as the guests of honour.
Quality concerns worrying
On Wednesday at 3.30pm, a 70-metre pedestrian bridge under construction near Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur collapsed, killing one worker and injuring five other workers.
On Thursday, the mayor was reported saying DBKL is only in charge of planning approval, and that technical or safety issues related to the collapse of a bridge was under the purview of CIDB and DOSH.
Yesterday, The Star reported DOSH director-general Mohtar Musri saying initial investigation suggested that a defective structure could have led to the disaster, and would refer to DBKL and CIDB regarding the quality of materials used in the construction of the bridge.
Nurul Izzah pointed out four days has passed since the incident, and news of a purported lack of quality was of great concern.
"This matter clearly shows the failure of DBKL and several other bodies for not conducting proper monitoring that is consistent, in ensuring the works are being carried out in a properly controlled manner," she said.
She added that DBKL had admitted on Wednesday the council had approved the construction of the said bridge, which was completed four months ago, as reported in Sinar Harian."Therefore it is not justified that DBKL continues to be reluctant to take a moral stand and take responsibility for the incident," she said.
'Punish those responsible'
The PKR lawmaker said DBKL's 2017 budget of RM 2.87 billion would not give significant value to taxpayers if it is not spent to ensure development in the city is balanced and regulated.
She urged the authorities to ensure those responsible for the disaster face the full weight of the law under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (1994) and the Factories and Machinery Act (1967).
"This is very important in order to ensure every development project follows the safety regulations," said Nurul Izzah.-Mkini
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