White Elephant of the Camerons

I came across this editorial submitted by readers of the Star Newspaper published on 2nd May 2006. The writer highlighted the problem of the new bus terminal cum car parking lot in Tanah Rata which was badly designed. The narrow confines and steep turns make it really difficult for most people to move their vehicle within the building. Only the foolhardy or the very brave souls would attempt to drive their vehicle inside. So do make a note to avoid parking in it.

Here's what the reader wrote:

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There is a "white elephant" on Cameron Highlands, and it is the multi-storey public car park, tax stand and bus station which, since its completion at end of last year, has not been in used for a simple reason: Use it at your own risk.

The complex is the brainchild of the Cameron Highlands district council and was built with taxpayers' money.

The design is so inane that a motorist must have great maneuvering skill and a daredevil's heart to make his way up its narrow and steep (often scrapping the underbelly of vehicles) slopping driveway.

Of course, only those with old junk of no love for their vehicles would undertake the drive up in the first place. There are already many casualties, judging from the scratch marks on the sides of the walls.

No wonder few people had parked their cars up in the building, with the majority preferring to risk getting police summonses by parking illegally outside and around the building.

Even the taxi drivers have refused to re-locate to the premise. As for the bus drivers, they said it was near impossible for a bus to turn unless the driver is very skilful and prepared to maneuver in driving forward and backward a number of times. In the current situation of expensive fuel, all the bus drivers prefer to stay put in their old station.

If only the council is open-minded in listening to the residents' feedback, the project which has already become an eyesore to the residents will not deteriorate to be the "white elephant" it now is.

We are wondering too how soon is will take the council to rectify the problems.

We are, however, hopeful that the new district officer may be more proactive than the council.

After all, the district officer has recently made known his thoughts that the Cameron Highlands has been neglected in terms of beautiful landscaping.

It is about time too that the council should do something about the landscaping as well as the "white elephant".

SILHOUETTE
Cameron Highlands.