AMPANG: A developer, along with representatives from the municipality here and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), was made to explain delays to the Berembang Indah low-cost flats to hundreds of buyers on Wednesday.

As many as 694 families who were displaced by development in 2005 were promised that the homes would be completed in 2008. However the project stalled until the state intervened and ordered developer to complete it. 

“This is why I  invited Ampang Jaya Municipal Council, IWK and developer Perspektif Masa Sdn Bhd  to explain to you what caused the delays,” said Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to applause from some 400 home buyers.

The representatives claimed the delays were caused by sewage pipes that were not built according to specifications in the original plans along with red tape between the  parties.  

The Menteri Besar said they should have been more responsible.

The flats have now been completed and are waiting for a certificate of fitness which is scheduled to be issued next week.

“I hope by next week all outstanding problems regarding this flat will be solved after a seven-year  wait,” he said during a symbolic handover of keys to the buyers.  

State executive councillor Iskandar Samad said the families were victims of the previous BN-led state government which forcefully evicted them for development.

He said there had been no instances of forceful eviction since 2008 and it shows that the current administration is more people-friendly.

“This shows that the Menteri Besar is committed to the welfare and well-being of the people of Selangor,” he said.

Also present was Gombak member of Parliament Azmin Ali.