Developer may compensate residents hit by bund’s collapse

 

Knee-high floodwaters at a neighbourhood in Saujana Utama after a water retention bund in Taman Seri Alam broke during a storm. (Bernama pics)

PETALING JAYA: 

The developer of the water retention pond next to the residential area in Taman Seri Alam, Saujana Utama, is considering offering ex gratia payment to residents affected by the bund’s collapse on Sunday.

Bernama reported Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim as saying a meeting will be held today between the developer and representatives of the residents to discuss the compensation amount.

“The exact amount will be decided at today’s meeting. I will personally review the matter and we will support the residents wherever possible.

“The compensation will be based on the losses suffered by the residents. Efforts are under way to identify technical solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he told reporters in Pandan Utama, Ampang today.

Izham said Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) and MBI Foundation are also assessing other forms of assistance to support the affected residents.

“Long-term measures are also being planned, but short-term actions to address the issue are nearly completed,” he added.

The collapse of the bund sent a torrent of water into residents’ homes on Sunday evening, with some unable to save their belongings.

On Tuesday, the residents requested that the developer of the water retention pond take responsibility and provide compensation, citing a similar incident in December 2015 that caused a flash flood. - FMT