By Zareef Muzammil
GOMBAK, Jan 25 — The infrastructural upgrading works in Kampung Indian Settlement, Batu Cave, is scheduled to begin in March.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the works include installing street lights and pathways with a total cost of RM5.9 million.
“I have overseen the progress, and, InsyaAllah (God willing), it will begin in March and may take up to three or four months to complete.
“The improvements to the infrastructure will help the locals who have lived here since before independence because they chose to make Tanah Melayu their home after finding employment here,” he said when met after officiating the Unity Ponggal Festival, here yesterday.
Held at the Dewan Indian Settlement, the programme was organised by the Sungai Tua constituency community centre. Also in attendance were Selayang Municipal Council president Dato’ Mohd Yazid Sairi and Indian Settlement Batu Caves Residents Association chairman V Subramaniam.
Meanwhile, Amirudin said the infrastructure works would involve the restructuring of over 70 lands, which have yet to be resolved since 2009.
Following that, he said some 26 families who lived nearby the river would be transferred to Batu Arang in Rawang after accepting the land offer there last year.
“(Previously) a restructuring process took place before 2009. But because it was partially completed, the state government now wants to finish the infrastructure. There was a delay because we had to take into account the relocation of the 26 families (to Batu Arang).
“Therefore, we have requested them to relocate so that we could begin the road upgrade works. If they do not cooperate, then we cannot begin (the upgrade work),” he said.
