The redevelopment of the Highland Towers condominium in Ampang will proceed after a committee of 10 government agencies has resolved all relevant issues, reported The Star.
Among the problems is that the authorities still lack some important information and documents such as the developer’s mortgage loan secured by the project, said Housing Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin.
“For example, I have found no records of the loan borrower from the bank and there are still several legal cases regarding the compensation for the owners.”
“Once these matters are resolved, the state or federal government can take over and develop the land,” said Zuraida, who is also the MP for Ampang.
According to the Housing Ministry, the redevelopment plans include a recreational park and a centre for tourism and sports. There could also be a residential project for the bottom 40 percent (B40) income earners or households who earn only up to RM3,900 per month.
However, the Mineral and Geoscience Department believes that only low impact projects like recreation and tourism should be built there as the site is prone to landslides.
Notably, one of the three buildings in Highland Towers collapsed due a major landslide, leading to the death of 48 people, in December 1993.
As for the remaining two condo blocks, their residents were evacuated. Initially, there were plans to repair both towers, but it was discovered that they are structurally unstable, meaning they need to be torn down.
Currently, residents fear for their safety as the two existing towers have become hangouts for criminals.
Meanwhile, the 10 government agencies will study Highland Towers’ redevelopment plans and decide on the direction and strategies of the redevelopment.
These consist of the Selangor state government and four departments – Public Works, Land and Mines, Mineral and Geoscience, as well as Drainage and Irrigation.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council will also assist, along with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Image sourced from Star Online
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