10 Jan 2018 by Amanda Yeap
THE utterly filthy and deplorable conditions of the privately-owned First Garden Flats prompted both the state government and Ipoh City Council to hold a massive integrated intervention last Saturday morning.
The city council, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), non-governmental organisations and state officials, including the mentri besar himself, visited the 30-year-old property to clean it up.
Determined to improve the cleanliness of the housing project, state authorities also took the time to conduct a thorough study and interview residents to get down to the root cause of the abysmal living conditions in the area.
Of the 280 units, only 127 are occupied. According to State Women’s Development, Family, Community Welfare, Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Rusnah Kassim, most of the occupants of the housing project are tenants and not the real owners of the units.
Zambry (right, wearing cap) helped to clear the rubbish during the gotong-royong in First Garden Flats. —Photos: RONNIE CHIN/The Star
Rusnah said one of the proposals is to form a Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) here.
“After interviewing several residents about cleanliness problems, we have also received reports about several damaged parts of the building that makes the place uninhabitable for them.
“The AADK is also here with us today to monitor the place based on reports mentioning the presence of drug addicts.
“With a KRT established, not only will we have an effective committee to resolve cleanliness issues, but also to ensure the safety of residents here as the Rukun Tetangga can conduct patrols,” she said during the gotong-royong session.
Rusnah also said she will be meeting with all the residents here soon to offer some insight and advice for them on keeping their surroundings clean.
“This will come after I raise the proposal to establish the KRT in the State Executive Council meeting this week.
“Once approval is obtained, we will look into electing the right person to lead the committee because strong leadership is important.
“The appointed chairman must be strict and be able to command the respect of the residents here, otherwise it wodn’t be effective,” she said.
Ipoh Mayor Datuk Zamri Man said, aside from setting up a KRT, the city council will ensure that a joint management body (JMB) is established to contribute to the building’s maintenance.
Zambry (wearing cap) with Rusnah (in tudung) visited the flats with government agencies and NGOs to clean up the area and learn first-hand about issues affecting residents.
“It is compulsory for every flat building like this to form a JMB so that issues to do with the amenities like the cleanliness of common areas, lighting, safety and comfort can be swiftly dealt with.
“We will also delegate several elected representatives from the city council to be part of the JMB in the hopes that after this, the building will be better maintained,” he said.
Asked if the flat currently has a JMB, Zamri said, based on current records, the housing project does not have one.
“This could be due to several factors, such as unwillingnessto cooperate.
“We need to implement this as quickly as possible to help inculcate a sense of responsibility among the residents here,” he said.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said it was appalling to see so many piles of rubbish had accumulated in and around the flats.
Ipoh City Watch and other NGOs took part in the clean-up works
“It is saddening to see. We cannot simply point our fingers at one party and pin the blame on them, as I believe there are a multitude of causes for this problem, such as social conditions, neighbourhood conditions, and the lack of responsibility shown by those who live here,” he said.
Zambry stressed that his visit to First Garden Flats was to lead various state authorities to conduct an overall analysis to identify the causes of and ways to resolve longstanding problems in the flats.
“This won’t be solved in a day. We have to look at all aspects because it’s not only due to poverty.
“There are certain poor areas in the state that are well-maintained and kept clean by residents. Looking at the area and nature of the problem, I’m sure many deep-seated issues can be addressed,” he said.
Cleaners had a busy day clearing rubbish which included furniture and appliances.
The First Garden Flats was in a deplorable condition for years until the major clean up last Saturday
However, Zambry said, at the end of the day, it is still up to the residents to take responsibility and continue to maintain the building.
“The government can impose various rules and regulations, but the residents also have to show initiative as they are the ones living here.
“They must be responsible about looking after their neighbourhood. They cannot simply expect the city council or state government to always come in and clean up for them,” he said.
https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/01/10/first-garden-flats-get-a-major-cleanup-various-government-agencies-and-ngos-visit-area-to-clear-surr/
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