RESIDENTS of the U-shaped Block Flats at Lebuh Macallum received good news today when Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying pledged RM30,000 from her parliamentary allocation to help the management body replace the sanitary piping.
Lim, accompanied by Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, visited the two blocks, which were built by the Penang Development Corporation 45 years ago.
“The management body approached us for help to resolve the sanitary problems caused by rusty and blocked pipes, which have caused a lot of inconvenience to the residents.
“Although the works will cost RM80,000, I have approved RM30,000 to help address the maintenance issue as a priority. Most of the residents here are from the working class and are trying to make ends meet. We want them to feel safe and comfortable. We will also look into the possibility of tarring the roads around here,” she said.
She thanked the management body, headed by chairman Yeoh Beng Hock, for maintaining a good rapport with both her and Wong.
Wong said the state government had assisted the management body over the past two years by replacing water tanks and carrying out other infrastructure works under the Penang Maximum 80% Maintenance Fund (TPM80PP).
Under the fund, which covers eligible stratified, low-cost and low-medium-cost housing schemes, the state government contributes up to 80% of the cost, with the remaining 20% generally borne by the joint management body or management committee. The works covered include lift repairs or replacement, water tank replacement, roofing and other critical building facilities.
Wong added that the Federal government is likely to allocate some funds to help improve the drainage system in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the residents, Yeoh expressed his gratitude to Lim and Wong for looking into their plight and addressing their concerns.
“We are grateful for their assistance, and we hope our requests for financial aid for other maintenance works next year will also be approved,” he said.
Also present were U-shaped Block Flats management body secretary Chee Gook Kah, treasurer Khoo Teng Hin, committee member Khoo Kay Aik, clerk Teoh Chew Hing and MPKK Lebuh Macallum chairman Chan Soon Long.
Story & pix by K.H. Ong