White-breasted Waterhens can be seen traipsing across the flat in search of the daily bread. They must be pretty hardy to tolerate the deterioration of what used to be a beautiful lake.
Just take a look for yourself.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Ara Damansara Community Lake Park
My earlier post on Stagnations and Siltations and the photos within were mild compared to what the lake looks like now. I can't even call it a lake as the latest spate of heavy daily rainfall has turned the lake into a mud-flat.
White-breasted Waterhens can be seen traipsing across the flat in search of the daily bread. They must be pretty hardy to tolerate the deterioration of what used to be a beautiful lake.
Just take a look for yourself.
White-breasted Waterhens can be seen traipsing across the flat in search of the daily bread. They must be pretty hardy to tolerate the deterioration of what used to be a beautiful lake.
Just take a look for yourself.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Blocked Drains
After the Ara Damansara residents' meeting with the local authorities on August 23 2008, I was pleased to receive a letter acknowledging my complaints about the blocked drains.
But I'm sorry to say that the buck seems to have stopped there while more and more comedic reports appear in the press about the mosquito problem on dengue and chikungunya spread.
Dengue serious in Manjung, Perak: Health Minister
Also recently the article which really made me laugh...
Public urged to be proactive
And we should all sit up and pay attention to what the Health Minister has to say...
Ministry to step up efforts against dengue, chikungunya
Meanwhile my blood is being sucked dry by this vermin and I have to drench guests visiting my home in "MozAway".
But I'm sorry to say that the buck seems to have stopped there while more and more comedic reports appear in the press about the mosquito problem on dengue and chikungunya spread.
Dengue serious in Manjung, Perak: Health Minister
Also recently the article which really made me laugh...
Public urged to be proactive
And we should all sit up and pay attention to what the Health Minister has to say...
Ministry to step up efforts against dengue, chikungunya
Meanwhile my blood is being sucked dry by this vermin and I have to drench guests visiting my home in "MozAway".
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Puspakom Ara Damansara
Has moved out and relocated to Glenmarie w.e.f. 29/September/2008.
No more long vehicle trailers with the latest cars for inspection rolling through Ara Damansara now.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Bus Route update
Taking a long walk the other day, I was so pleased to discover that one by one Ara Damansara issues highlighted in my blog are being actioned and resolved. My latest discovery is the RapidKL's Bus Route T607 through Ara Damansara.
In my first Bus Route article, I questioned the wisdom of erecting expensive bus-stops on the inbound journey of the bus route. In effect, the state-of-the-art bus stop would hardly shelter long staying clients as people only get off the bus on its inbound journey.
Imagine my delight when I saw a new route map posted in the bus shelter detailing the revised bus route, and pretty much what I had suggested in my blog. Hurrah! Feedback works and a big thank you to the authorities for heeding the voice of the public. Thank you RapidKL and MBPJ for improving the service-ability of Route T607 through Ara Damansara.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Trees in monsoon drain ~ progress update
Some progress has been made in clearing Ara Damansara's waterways. Finally the tree population in the monsoon drain between section PJU 1A/30 and 1A/21 has been cleared. When I walked by today, I saw that even the silt level is reduced. Thank you MBPJ for the clean up.
Last Saturday, 23/Aug a dialog session was held between the local authorities and residents of Ara Damansara, It's a great step towards the improvement of upkeep and facilities in our neighbourhood. It was also attended by a reporter from The Star and her article appeared in Star 2 on Tuesday. Here's the link.
Residents in Ara Damansara pour out their woes By OH ING YEEN
Kudos to the residents of Alyssa & Atilla who have approximately 99% participation in their Resident's Association. Great teamwork spirit to be emulated by other AraD "constituencies".
Last Saturday, 23/Aug a dialog session was held between the local authorities and residents of Ara Damansara, It's a great step towards the improvement of upkeep and facilities in our neighbourhood. It was also attended by a reporter from The Star and her article appeared in Star 2 on Tuesday. Here's the link.
Residents in Ara Damansara pour out their woes By OH ING YEEN
Kudos to the residents of Alyssa & Atilla who have approximately 99% participation in their Resident's Association. Great teamwork spirit to be emulated by other AraD "constituencies".
Friday, June 6, 2008
Rubbish, rubbish everywhere; but nary a bin in sight
So much hype and talk about the environment in the papers, especially over the last couple of weeks with the onset of World Environment Day 2008.
As you all know, I am highly critical of the environs of Ara Damansara. On my morning walks, I take the opportunity to observe all that I see in this community. Or in this case, what I cannot see. The absence of public rubbish bins is so glaring, that I’m beginning to wonder if it is not standard issue with every development. And we’re not even talking recycling bins. Just your normal everyday, standard issue rubbish bins.
I presume that with all the talk about caring for the environment, “think before you throw”, dengue menace and the like, the authorities would be proactive in providing receptacles to collect trash not only to keep the environs clean, but to help the productivity of council sweepers, perhaps a small way of boosting their morale. Their job is already lacks incentive and inspiration, what more if they are expected to constantly pick up trash day after day, carelessly strewn everywhere with nary a thought to who’s gonna do the dirty job. I’m quite shocked actually that we have litter-bugs among us. I must compliment Dina (Malaysian Idol) for confessing her litter-bug carelessness before participating in World Environment Day events.
Friday June 6, 2008
Idol stars join in making green pledges
PETALING JAYA: She used to throw rubbish everywhere but now “Malaysian Idol” finalist Dina has renewed her pledge to stop littering.
We really need to ask these people what makes them litter? Do they enjoy living in a world filled with trash and filth? Does our education system breed the next generation to be so apathetic to community welfare? Or is it a case of “bapak borek, anak rintek”. I am nostalgic of school-days gone when it was “pick up papers” around the school after recess. It gave us a reality check on what our surroundings would be like if covered with litter and insight to a council sweeper job! An effective threat for not passing exams in my day.
But here and now, we live in a prized development called Ara Damansara, sorely neglected by the authorities and residents alike. Yes, there could be transients who wouldn’t think twice about dirtying a neighbourhood which is not theirs, but I’ll wager that the majority of bugs who litter here are residents. Who else to blame for the trash scattered at the various gathering points in the parks that so generously dot Ara Damansara?
We are lucky for there is one person I’ve chanced to see on occasion with his dog. Having met and chatted with him, he insists on anonymity, he is disgusted with the nonchalance of educated, upper middle class society who treat their surroundings so flippantly that they care less about discarding trash when a bin cannot be found. On his walks, he picks up rubbish with his bare hands, and has even trained his dog to help. He’s an educated, 40something working man who has no qualms doing what is necessary to clear trash thrown by those who disrespect our environment.
No bin at pondok
No bin at picnic bench
No bin at playground pondok and picnic bench
No bin at exercise area
The park @ PJU 1A/19 has loads of bin holders, but where are the bins?
The proof of it all is in the pictures I’ve taken while on my walks. Note that most of our Ara Damansara playgrounds DO NOT HAVE rubbish bins. One playground PJU 1A/19 has several bin holders but no bins. The largest park doesn’t have any indication of there ever having been a bin in its midst. At this rate can Ara Damansara ever hope to be assigned recycling bins?
Yes it’s time to expose where all state funds have squandered off to. Yes, it appears that state coffers have been cleaned out but not for the sake of cleaner surroundings for its rakyat. Anyone can remind me why is it we pay rates again?
As you all know, I am highly critical of the environs of Ara Damansara. On my morning walks, I take the opportunity to observe all that I see in this community. Or in this case, what I cannot see. The absence of public rubbish bins is so glaring, that I’m beginning to wonder if it is not standard issue with every development. And we’re not even talking recycling bins. Just your normal everyday, standard issue rubbish bins.
I presume that with all the talk about caring for the environment, “think before you throw”, dengue menace and the like, the authorities would be proactive in providing receptacles to collect trash not only to keep the environs clean, but to help the productivity of council sweepers, perhaps a small way of boosting their morale. Their job is already lacks incentive and inspiration, what more if they are expected to constantly pick up trash day after day, carelessly strewn everywhere with nary a thought to who’s gonna do the dirty job. I’m quite shocked actually that we have litter-bugs among us. I must compliment Dina (Malaysian Idol) for confessing her litter-bug carelessness before participating in World Environment Day events.
Friday June 6, 2008
Idol stars join in making green pledges
PETALING JAYA: She used to throw rubbish everywhere but now “Malaysian Idol” finalist Dina has renewed her pledge to stop littering.
We really need to ask these people what makes them litter? Do they enjoy living in a world filled with trash and filth? Does our education system breed the next generation to be so apathetic to community welfare? Or is it a case of “bapak borek, anak rintek”. I am nostalgic of school-days gone when it was “pick up papers” around the school after recess. It gave us a reality check on what our surroundings would be like if covered with litter and insight to a council sweeper job! An effective threat for not passing exams in my day.
But here and now, we live in a prized development called Ara Damansara, sorely neglected by the authorities and residents alike. Yes, there could be transients who wouldn’t think twice about dirtying a neighbourhood which is not theirs, but I’ll wager that the majority of bugs who litter here are residents. Who else to blame for the trash scattered at the various gathering points in the parks that so generously dot Ara Damansara?
We are lucky for there is one person I’ve chanced to see on occasion with his dog. Having met and chatted with him, he insists on anonymity, he is disgusted with the nonchalance of educated, upper middle class society who treat their surroundings so flippantly that they care less about discarding trash when a bin cannot be found. On his walks, he picks up rubbish with his bare hands, and has even trained his dog to help. He’s an educated, 40something working man who has no qualms doing what is necessary to clear trash thrown by those who disrespect our environment.
No bin at pondok
No bin at picnic bench
No bin at playground pondok and picnic bench
No bin at exercise area
The park @ PJU 1A/19 has loads of bin holders, but where are the bins?
The proof of it all is in the pictures I’ve taken while on my walks. Note that most of our Ara Damansara playgrounds DO NOT HAVE rubbish bins. One playground PJU 1A/19 has several bin holders but no bins. The largest park doesn’t have any indication of there ever having been a bin in its midst. At this rate can Ara Damansara ever hope to be assigned recycling bins?
Yes it’s time to expose where all state funds have squandered off to. Yes, it appears that state coffers have been cleaned out but not for the sake of cleaner surroundings for its rakyat. Anyone can remind me why is it we pay rates again?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Stagnations from Siltations
I am so encouraged by the keen response of Kerajaan Negeri Selangor and the Ministry of Health re my blog on blocked drains in my corner of Ara Damansara, somewhere in the enclave of PJU 1A/22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 (22-32). And I am so pleased to see that it is truly in sync with the YAM Sultan of Selangor’s call to the State Government to be efficient in community and environment services featured in The Star 22/May article titled Sultan expresses concern over wasteful spending of RM27million allocation!
Of particular relevance in that report is YAM’s statement quoted “He said local governments should ensure roads and drains were in good condition, towns were always clean, waste management was efficient and streetlights functioned properly.”
Thank you YAM; I am truly grateful for your poignant remarks on the affairs of your State. The rakyat of Selangor are most fortunate that we have a modern and visionary ruler.
With the direction towards a better and cleaner Selangor steered by YAM, I am emboldened to bring to light other unsightly and uncivic shortcomings in and around Ara Damansara so that this district in PJ which I call home, lives up to the expectation in beautiful name conjures.
On my daily walks, I constantly notice the goings on in the environment of Ara Damansara. I cannot ignore the siltation in the large drains as a result of the continuing development in this area. The following picture is of the large monsoon drain that separates PJU 1A/22-32 from PJU 1A/19-27 the next enclave. There is a whole terra ecosystem living in this drain from all the siltation that has flowed down in the development of Ara Damansara. With the amount of earth washed up here, trees will soon start to grow. Water-flow has definitely slowed down, maybe even almost completely blocked further upstream of the drain, further increases chances for mosquitoes and other vermin to breed. I’m pretty sure the residents of PJU 1A/21, 30 & 32 fear snakes and other less welcome creatures of nature, will soon wander into their homes. Perhaps some have already had snakes already….
Now let’s move along to what started out to be a really beautiful community park between PJU1A/23-25 and PJU 1A/29. Before the construction of Ara Hills began, the water in the run-off stream was free-flowing and clear of silt. But not anymore.
Here’s the Google Earth link to show how visible the siltation is. It is so thick that even the satellite picture can pick it up. Too bad the clouds are hovering over Ara Hills, else you could appreciate the full extent of the siltation.
AraDamansara community park 1A/23-25,29
And here are some down to earth shots of the almost fully silted up run-off stream. The water-lilies are beautiful, but their beauty is marred by the growing ugliness of the silt.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am impressed and grateful for the prompt response by the authorities at the top end of the community government. The State Government and Ministry of Health are the movers and shakers of the do-ers. It is now my hope that enough moving and shaking has rattled through the offices of the do-ers so that what needs doing GETS DONE.
I’m keeping my hopes up for the new State government’s new broom to sweep clean. You can DO IT
Of particular relevance in that report is YAM’s statement quoted “He said local governments should ensure roads and drains were in good condition, towns were always clean, waste management was efficient and streetlights functioned properly.”
Thank you YAM; I am truly grateful for your poignant remarks on the affairs of your State. The rakyat of Selangor are most fortunate that we have a modern and visionary ruler.
With the direction towards a better and cleaner Selangor steered by YAM, I am emboldened to bring to light other unsightly and uncivic shortcomings in and around Ara Damansara so that this district in PJ which I call home, lives up to the expectation in beautiful name conjures.
On my daily walks, I constantly notice the goings on in the environment of Ara Damansara. I cannot ignore the siltation in the large drains as a result of the continuing development in this area. The following picture is of the large monsoon drain that separates PJU 1A/22-32 from PJU 1A/19-27 the next enclave. There is a whole terra ecosystem living in this drain from all the siltation that has flowed down in the development of Ara Damansara. With the amount of earth washed up here, trees will soon start to grow. Water-flow has definitely slowed down, maybe even almost completely blocked further upstream of the drain, further increases chances for mosquitoes and other vermin to breed. I’m pretty sure the residents of PJU 1A/21, 30 & 32 fear snakes and other less welcome creatures of nature, will soon wander into their homes. Perhaps some have already had snakes already….
Now let’s move along to what started out to be a really beautiful community park between PJU1A/23-25 and PJU 1A/29. Before the construction of Ara Hills began, the water in the run-off stream was free-flowing and clear of silt. But not anymore.
Here’s the Google Earth link to show how visible the siltation is. It is so thick that even the satellite picture can pick it up. Too bad the clouds are hovering over Ara Hills, else you could appreciate the full extent of the siltation.
AraDamansara community park 1A/23-25,29
And here are some down to earth shots of the almost fully silted up run-off stream. The water-lilies are beautiful, but their beauty is marred by the growing ugliness of the silt.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am impressed and grateful for the prompt response by the authorities at the top end of the community government. The State Government and Ministry of Health are the movers and shakers of the do-ers. It is now my hope that enough moving and shaking has rattled through the offices of the do-ers so that what needs doing GETS DONE.
I’m keeping my hopes up for the new State government’s new broom to sweep clean. You can DO IT
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