High-rise project beside school freaks out parents

An aerial view of SJK (T) Jalan Cheras. The empty plot of land behind it is the site of the approved 27-storey development, a mere one metre away.

Fearing for the safety of their children at SJK(T) Jalan Cheras that is next door to a high-rise building project, the parents are asking for the school to be temporarily relocated.

They have planned to carry out a peaceful campaign at the school today, from 1pm to 3pm.The parents are also suggesting to the authority to resolve the issue amicably rather than have them protest against the construction of the 27-storey high apartment project – The Locus KLCV – that was approved by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

School Board of Governors chairman P. Manivannan said ventilation in the school was already bad as it was surrounded by tall buildings, and now, with the latest construction, the air would be polluted too.

“Piling and drilling will also affect the foundation of the school building,” he said, adding that the construction debris and noise would disrupt the children’s studies daily.

The government-aided school built in 1947, has 13 classrooms, with 300 pupils and 30 teachers and staff.

He suggested the school be relocated to DBKL’s Health Department across the road.

Board treasurer and former chairman Dr N. Nagasuaraw said as the school needed to be rebuilt as its condition was deteriorating following the many constructions that took place around it.

“After each of the surrounding buildings were built, the condition of our school worsened with blocked toilets because of the construction waste.

“The teachers have spent nearly RM40,000 of their own money for the school’s maintenance yearly for repairs to the toilets and electrical wiring,” he said.

Parent-Teacher Association chairman Datuk Mohana Dass said the high-rise building project would take about four years to complete and it was unfair to the children to continue studying in such an unhealthy and unsafe condition.

“Pupils prepare for exams every three to four months, so concerned parents may well pull their children out of the school because of the disruptions, possibly resulting in the school’s closure,” he said.

The development project is a joint venture between DBKL, Brunsfield Engineering Sdn Bhd and Warisan Tradisi Sdn Bhd.

A spokesman of Developer Warisan Tradisi said they understood the school’s situation and would take note of the concerns on pollution and safety of the pupils.

“In fact, we have offered to place someone on standby to address any complaints affecting the school during construction.

“Before we proceed further, we will also carry out a survey with the school administration board to see the school’s current condition, then take responsibility on any issues resulting from the development thereafter,” he said.

DBKL could not be contacted for comment. - The Star