Long wait for flats is over (Teluk Air Tawar)

As reported in The Star

Long wait for flats is over

by chong kah yuan

New homes: Wong (second left) giving details to container home residents in Teluk Air Tawar, Butterworth. In the background is the almost completed seven-storey block.

THIRTY-SEVEN families living in container houses for 17 years will finally get to move into their new low-cost flats in July next year.

Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said construction of the flats in Teluk Air Tawar, Butterworth, resumed on May 13 last year after it was abandoned for 17 years due to the economic crisis.

“The construction of a seven-storey block with 149 units is almost complete.

“We will move on to building the roads followed by other infrastructure.

“The 37 families will soon move into 52 units (some families will be moving into two units) while the remaining 97 units will be handed over to the state Housing and Local Government,” he said.

Retiree Lim Ming Siang, 50, who visited the site with Wong recently, said he was happy that he would be moving into his new home after such a long wait.

“There used to be seven of us including my four brothers, mother and son, but two of my brothers and my mum have passed away.”

N. Balamy, 50, said he looked forward to his new home as his current container home would leak when it rained heavily.

“Initially, we were told that the flats would be completed in five to six years after moving into the container homes.

“I am worried as I may not be eligible to purchase a low-cost unit since I am no longer working after retiring from my job as a lorry driver.

“I hope someone can explain to us the procedures before we move into the new flats,” he said.

Retiree Ko Lai Ying, 57, hoped she would be given one of the lower floor units as she has an 80-year-old mother who has difficulty walking.