Though the Selangor government has impressive figures to show in terms of revenue, reserves, investments and job opportunities, it must not forget to address problems faced by those on the ground, says Nushi Mahfodz (PN-Semenyih).
In his motion debate at the Selangor state assembly sitting in Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor, Shah Alam, Nushi made a heartfelt plea for the state government to look into flood and traffic woes faced by his constituents.
“In Taman Semenyih Indah, especially Jalan 16, every time there is heavy rain, water enters their homes.
“In Taman Semenyih Permata, the monsoon drain located in the middle of the housing area is filled with silt, having not been dredged for a long time.
"The retention pond here has also failed to function, due to blockages and lack of maintenance.
“Around Kampung Rinching and Sungai Kembong, the river is becoming shallower, bottlenecks are occurring and there are rising concerns over pollution and water levels.
"The river banks have also become increasingly eroded, which is another cause of concern among villagers,” Nushi highlighted.
“Imagine a family forced to lift and move their furniture and mattresses every time heavy rain falls.
"Imagine too if these are elderly people or persons with disabilities.
"Even those of us who are healthy find it unbearable," he pointed out.
Then, there is the issue of potholes.
Nushi said the roads around Bandar Tasik Kesuma are full of them.
Many of the streetlights here have also malfunctioned, he noted.
In short, Nushi said the real challenge for this state was not merely to build impressive figures.
"The real challenge is to ensure that those large figures are translated into better lives for the people.
“People do not live in figures.
"They will live in areas that can flood and in unsafe environments if no action is taken to address these issues,” he said.
At the end of his speech, Nushi stressed that the measure of the government was whether the people’s lives were better after it governed.
“People are waiting, not for excuses and explanations, but for improvements,” he said.
