RM167m mosquito pool, council project grinds to a halt

NST: Construction of the RM167 million Kota Baru Trade Centre (KBTC) near Parit Dalam ground to a halt a few months ago and the site has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The 25-storey building project, a joint-venture between the Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) and Selangor-based Cimetra Sdn Bhd, was launched by Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat early last year.
The site was previously the well-known Padang Bas food court and the MPKB Square, which was constructed in 1996 at a cost of RM200,000.
The KBTC, which comprises commercial lots and up-market serviced apartments, was supposed to be completed in three years.
Business operators in the vicinity complained that since work stopped at the end of last year, a large hole that was dug at the site had turned into a giant breeding pool for mosquitoes.
"Guests have complained about the mosquitoes. MPKB should take action quickly before there is an outbreak of dengue fever," said a hostel operator.
A check at the site today found not a single worker on duty. The site office was also empty except for a guard hired to keep out trespassers.
Meanwhile, state Local Government, Housing and Health committee chairman Takiyuddin Hassan confirmed that Cimetra had stopped work because of technical problems.
"We held a meeting with the developer recently and were informed the problems had been resolved. They will resume work by the end of the month.
"I will ask them to pump the water out of the hole, which was dug for preliminary works," he said.