This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)
URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/3/9/central/5806434&sec=central

__________________________________________________________________________

<a href=mailto:jade@thestar.com.my>jade@thestar.com.my</a>

RESIDENTS and the business community have been urged to not dispose of non-biodegradeable waste like plastic objects and pieces of wood down their sewerage system.

"The sewege treatment plants are meant to treat domestic, biodegradeable waste only," said Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd Communications Department manager Shahrul Nizam Sulaiman.

"Non-biodegradeable waste will make the plant processes go haywire and shorten the lifespan of the machines, which is one of the reasons that lead to the stench emitting from the treatment plants.

"Oil, grease and petroleum should also be disposed of properly, as the presence of such items at the treatment plant will kill the healthy bacteria that break down the chemicals," he added.

IWK Treatment manager Hamzah Hasbullah said when one or more tanks at the treatment plants were not functioning at their peak levels, that would also lead to an unpleasant odour.

Both were speaking during a press conference organised by Subang Jaya assemblyman Hannah Yeoh to highlight the action taken by IWK to solve the odour generated by the IWK plant in Persiaran Mulia, USJ14, and the number of parks lighted up in 2009 in the Subang Jaya constituency by the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

"We have spent about RM150,000 so far to repair and improve the damaged equipment at that particular plant so that it can function well," said Shahrul, adding that everything was done in compliance with the Department of Environment's requirements.

According to Hamzah, the treatment plant in USJ14 serves a population of 130,000 that covers areas from USJ2 to USJ14, the Goodyear Court apartments, USJ Taipan and Summit Shopping Centre.

"We began the repairs two years ago after Yeoh channelled the residents' complaints to us," he said.

"We've been carrying out the preventive measures over a period of time as the repairs are done in stages and involve a lot of money."

Shahrul also appealed to residents to help take care of the public utilities and to pay their service charges regularly to ensure that the maintenance work can be carried out.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said eight parks in the Subang Jaya constituency had been installed with 13 floodlights last year.

"Of the 13, three were installed at the USJ14 park, which caters to more than 1,000 residents staying in Goodyear Court 7, 8, 9 and 10," she said.

"The residents had asked for the park to be better lighted up during the first meeting two years ago, which the MPSJ fulfilled last year."

MPSJ Engineering Department director Ismail Shafie said the three floodlights at the USJ14 park had a total of six lamps, each using a 250-watt bulb.

"It cost about RM20,000 to install the three floodlights," he said.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said it cost the council about RM87,000 in total for the 13 floodlights at the eight parks in SS12, SS18, SS19, USJ2 and USJ14.

"A total of 27 parks were lighted up with existing and new floodlights by the end of 2008, while we have had requests and identified 10 more parks that are yet to be lit this year.

"It is now more safe for the residents to carry out their recreational activities," she said.

MPSJ councillor Rajiv Rishyakaran said another aspect was in terms of security.

"A well-lit park will deter potential thieves from lurking around and discourage unhealthy social activities," he said.
__________________________________________________________________________
Your one-stop information portal:
The Star Online
http://thestar.com.my
Copyright © 1995-2010 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Star Publications is prohibited.