MP slams delay in repairing hall

Source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2012/01/18/mp-slams-delay-in-repairing-hall/ (By G Vinod, 18/1/2012)
A DAP MP questioned the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) delay in repairing a community hall here.
Speaking at a press conference today, Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said he had highlighted the pathetic condition of the hall in early November 2010, but repair works only started yesterday. “At that time (in November 2010), DBKL told a press conference that the hall fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of National Unity and Integration. “But City Hall has the authority to act upon any public structure in Kuala Lumpur which could endanger public safety due to its dilapitated condition,” he said.
The 20-year-old community hall, located at a road setback leading towards Jalan Kuching, was badly damaged after an Alam Flora truck rammed into the building in September 2010.
The then Segambut division Barisan Nasional chairman B Jayanthi Devi told English daily The Star that relevant authorities were looking into repairing the structure. “Alam Flora had agreed to pay for the damages,” she was quoted in the report.
Lim criticised Jayanthi for the delay despite making the promise in 2010. “And the repair works just started yesterday. Is it because election is around the corner?” he asked.
Lim also queried the safety of reconstructing the structure as it is located at a roadsetback. “Can DBKL erect a community hall at a roadside which can endanger its occupants? It’s best if the City Hall could reveal its blueprint to the residents here for evaluation,” he said.