The Seri Duta 1 apartment complex in Taman Duta here has been declared unsafe for occupancy after structural faults within the building were found.

The faults were found when the Public Works Department (JKR) and Malaysian Institute of Public Works (Ikram) conducted checks on the building, said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“There is also a risk of a more critical landslide in the area.

“There are signs of soil movement that could further affect the structure.

“Among them is the broken supporting column, as well as cracks above and below the building floor,” DBKL said in a statement yesterday.

Photos circulating on social media showed a block of the apartment sitting precariously on a sliding hillside, believed to have been caused by the downpour last week.

DBKL added that four blocks comprising 34 residential units were affected and the occupants had been ordered to move out.

The area consists of 14 blocks, with each block having between three and six floors.

DBKL said works to strengthen the slope and building would commence soon but did not give any deadlines for completion.

A check by The Star saw two lorries carrying construction materials in the area, believed to be for strengthening works.

An aerial survey revealed several collapsed trees on the slope, next to a canvas used to cover the soil.

Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Beh Eng Lai said works had been carried out to divert excess water from the slope.

He said the condominium was located on lower ground, resulting in the soil there catching water runoff from the surrounding area.

“The building management is working with JKR and Ikram to monitor the situation,” he said, adding that police would check on the area every two hours.

Benjamin Chan, a committee member of the residents’ association, said stabilisation works at the slope would commence immediately.

“We are working closely with the authorities to address the soil movement on the hillslope surrounding our property.

“Precautionary and mitigation measures have been taken to prevent further damage,” he added.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by FARID WAHAB and JAROD LIM

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