Wear and tear among reasons for leaking roof at Parliament House

The Star

SUNGAI SIPUT: Absence of maintenance and wear and tear were among the reasons for the leaking roof at Parliament House.

Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the waterproofing material used when the building was constructed had worn off after 44 years, resulting in water seeping through the roof.

The waterproofing was also installed without any protective layers, he added.

He said the reasons were cited in an inspection report by the Kuala Lumpur Public Works Department's (PWD) maintenance division on May 10.

Samy Vellu said the department's report revealed:

CRACKS and water seepage on the concrete roof;

SEEPAGE through the rain gutter surface edge;

CLOGGED gutters which caused water retention;

WATERPROOFING on the roof was not working and had been used beyond its lifespan;

WATERPROOFING was installed on the concrete surface without any protective layer;

CLOGGED drainage pipes;

SEWERAGE pipe leaks at VIP and other toilets;

DAMAGED expansion joints; and

THE absence of maintenance work.

Speaking to reporters after opening the Farmers and Livestock Breeders Association annual general meeting here yesterday, Samy Vellu said he had instructed the PWD director and technicians to inspect the entire building and come up with specifications for a new waterproofing system.

He said there might be a need for a complete realignment of the roof.

“We not only have to waterproof the roof but also create a heat-proof layer on top of it. It is quite a big job.”

He said work would only be carried out if the Cabinet gave the green light. On the cost, he said he would announce it once the repairs were approved.

Samy Vellu also revealed that the 2005 renovations to Parliament House, which cost RM90mil, did not include roofing as it only covered the interior of the building.

“It was not carried out as the need did not arise at the time,” he said, adding that the roof “was not very damaged.”

He said the problem only cropped up four months ago because of bad weather.

Refuting claims made by Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad that the PWD was responsible for maintaining the building, Samy Vellu said: “Maintenance of the building has all along been under the Parliament itself, not the PWD. And when there are others carrying out maintenance, we cannot interfere. As Parliament is independent, we cannot order them around.”