The Star headlined on 18 Oct 2010 “Warisan Merdeka project a hot topic”
The infrastructure development projects proposed in Budget 2011 are welcomed in the Klang Valley as they would improve the quality of life. However, industry experts commented that comprehensive planning and follow-up action must be in place to ensure that funds allocated for the projects are effectively used. The 100-storey Warisan Merdeka has become the hottest topic with many expressing concern over adding a megastructure to the congested city. They want more information on the purpose of the RM5bil skyscraper.
The Malaysian Institute of Planners’ honorary secretary Lee Lih Shyan said the government should provide more details on the purpose of Warisan Merdeka.
“Until and unless they give us more details, I am doubtful of the impact of this building on the construction-related sector since we are already anticipating development of the Sungai Besi Air Force Base, Rubber Research Institute in Sungai Buloh and Pudu Jail,” he said.
In our rush at these "goodies", we should not forget the number of urban man-made disasters we had in the hectic construction boom days of the nineties. The twin towers, the LRT and the SMART tunnel projects (just to name a few) have all taken a toll on the fragile KL Limestone - Kenny Hill Formation contact zone underlying the KL area. See the map above.
Watch out for more cave-ins and sink holes when the tunnelling and construction activities start. The old military airport at Sg Besi would be the worst hit as there are known limestone cavities and underground drainage problems.
Sadly too many projects are ill-conceived and any safety and environmental concerns brushed aside in the name of progress and development. Privately it is just a quick financial scheme for the privileged few.
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