On the other hand, he said, the project, the biggest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, was carefully planned by the government to ensure the well-being of the people and the environment, specifically in the Klang Valley.
“It is far from being a political objective. It is more a public facility. We definitely cannot run away from being divided politically, but this is a project which makes use of sophisticated technology from China for the public regardless of their political ideology.
“So, talk that the project is related to the upcoming general election is not correct. We need to differentiate between political games and fulfilling our responsibility and trust of the people,” he told Bernama.
STP2, located in Pantai Eco Park was launched by Prime Minister Najib Razak last month and has the capacity to accommodate the needs of 1.42 million residents until 2035.
The STP2 project was developed in 2011 at a cost of RM983 million before being upgraded and completed in stages last year.
According to Najib, the plant’s high capacity could help meet the government’s target to increase sewerage services to major towns nationwide by 2020.
Commenting further on the project, Raja Nong Chik, who is also Lembah Pantai Umno division chief, said the project, which used world-class green technology, would benefit 30,000 residents in Lembah Pantai.
He said the construction of the STP2 also changed the perception that a sewage treatment plant was dirty, smelly and uncomfortable as was apparent with STP1, which was developed in 1958 and was upgraded several times.
“Indeed, there was a strong smell in the past which riled squatters who were relocated to public housing projects and people’s housing projects in the area. But, now there is no smell and the plant is surrounded by greenery.
“The angry residents are now thankful after being given surroundings that are far better. In fact, we also received requests from others to move there,” he added.
Other than the plant, the 12ha Pantai Eco Park, which also includes a community centre, jogging track, futsal court, football field and courts for other games, is expected to be opened soon.