KUCHING: The Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has identified five abandoned houses in Kampung Kudei Baru, Jalan Pisang Barat and Jalan Tengah here yesterday.
“Today, we are conducting walkabouts in Jalan Pisang Barat, Jalan Tengah and Eastern Park to inspect the abandoned houses which are highlighted by the residents here.
“The DBKU is calling on the local community here to work with us to tackle these issues,” said DBKU Mayor, Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai at a walkabout programme with the media in Kampung Kudei Baru here yesterday.
He also stressed that DBKU would collaborate with various government agencies and local community as an effort to address social problems in the city area as part of their ‘Safe City’ programme.
According to him, they have implemented various physical projects such as street lighting, crime reminder and emergency signage, lockable motorbike parking as well as barrier rail for the pedestrian.
He added the common crimes in the city area usually involved petty thieves and social problems.
“Besides, vacant or abandoned properties can become the target for drug abuse, immoral activities or other unhealthy activities.
“Abandoned houses are often trespassed on by irresponsible people who attempt to steal items like iron window grills or electric cables besides turning the place into a dump,” Wahap added.
Among the issues raised by the residents were lack of street lighting in Jalan Pisang Barat, Jalan Intan and Jalan Eastern Park, a need for speed bump, as well as traffic light and drainage problem.
In the New Sarawak Tribune paper on March 9, the residents in Lorong 5A, Jalan Pisang Barat here appealed to the council to look into problems such as overgrown bushes and abandoned houses.
