Government may realign landslide-prone stretch
By Sylvia Looi
Tuesday August 11, 2009
CAMERON HIGHLANDS: The Government is considering building a new alignment to replace the landslide-prone stretch between the 23rd kilometre and 27th kilometre of the Simpang Pulai-Gua Musang road.
Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said since motorists were allowed to use the road in 2003, the slope along that stretch has been sliding by 1m annually.
"Our checks showed trees are tilting, which is proof that the land here is sensitive," he said, adding that this would lead to landslides during a downpour.
Shaziman said a visiting professor had also urged the Public Works Department to seriously consider other options for the stretch due to the seriousness of the problem.
"As shown from the number of landslides reported at this stretch previously, we can no longer blame the incidents as acts of God," he told reporters after a working visit to the site here yesterday
"The safety of motorists was paramount to the Government," he added.
Shaziman said although the department stationed its staff to monitor the stretch round the clock, the ministry had to look for a long-term solution to the problem.
"Otherwise, there is a possibility the maintenance cost could become higher than the project cost," he added.
On whether a detailed proposal had been submitted to the Government on the new alignment, Shaziman said the ministry had a few options but would have to look at the economic situation first.
Shaziman also urged the Perak and Pahang state governments to monitor their farmers.
"The watering system used by the farmers has led to loose earth, thus leading to landslides," he added -- The Star
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