Construction damages houses

JAKARTA (JP): Ten North Jakarta residents met yesterday with City Council in an effort to obtain adequate compensation for damage caused to their buildings by the construction of a shop/house complex.

Welly Mahmudi, spokesman for the residents, told City Council's Commission D, in charge of development affairs, that the three-story shop/house project, carried out by PT Guna Tex Persada, has caused damage their houses on Jl. Kebon Bawang VI, Tanjung Priok district.

"The developer must take responsibility for the cracks in the walls of our houses," Welly said.

He said the vibration of the piling machine has badly cracked the walls.

The residents have asked the developer to pay Rp 500,000 (US$219) in compensation for each square meter of their property damaged.

The shop/house project was started in February last year, however, the residents have yet to repair their houses, pending the developer's response.

"The developer is offering us only Rp 20,000 per square meter," he said. He is claiming that the residents have been intimidated into accepting that.

One of residents has repaired his building at his own cost since he cannot wait any longer for the developer's response. In addition, there are some old people living in the resident's house, Welly said.

He said that they took the case to City Council after bringing the matter to the City Development Supervision office resulted in no response to their complaint.

Councilor Muhammad Rodja suggested that the residents be accompanied by a building consultant, who has no connections with the developer.

The consultant can determine a reasonable compensation rate, which is fair to both sides, he said. (32)