Although it is a given that most people dislike their neighbourhood being disturbed, the fact remains no force should stymie development for societal development commensurate urban development. When one examines anecdotal evidence, there will always be objections from an interest group (sic) or self-interest groups.

Let it be known that development is for the greater good of society and where necessary sacrifices must be made if the greater good of society is to be served. This article is making primary reference to the The Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (Dash). Let’s look into the planning of Dash as it stands right now.

The primary focus of the Dash consultants was that the highway should serve as many suburbs as possible, along the 20.1 km stretch. Dash is an elevated three-lane dual carriageway throughout the stretch of the highway, deliberately targeted to help ease an ever burgeoning increase in vehicles on existing roads within the Klang Valley.

It’s not uncommon to hear on the radio waves of the massive traffic congestions being experienced during peak hours along most if not all roads. Something must be done to alleviate this seething problem. Is Dash the solution? It can be said that Dash certainly is a partial solution.

Let’s consider the number of suburbs the Dash Elevated Highway will serve. The Dash commences at the Puncak Perdana U10 Shah Alam intersection and serve as a link for Puncak Perdana, Alam Suria, Denai Alam, Kampung Melayu Subang, Jalan Sungai Buloh, RRIM, Kota Damansara, Damansara Perdana and Mutiara Damansara. It will end at the Penchala interchange, linking road users to LDP and Sprint highways.

Twelve interchanges will be built along the alignment. The proposed expressway is expected to support rapid developments along the alignment covering U10 Shah Alam, Subang, Kota Damansara and Damansara areas.

What was once Say No To Dash has transformed itself as No Dash in Damansara Perdana (NDDP). So now society has to grapple with an elite group that is willing to push the ‘Not in my backyard’ barrow. Whose backyard are these elitists proposing? Development must not be halted to serve a few but be encouraged to serve the greater good of society.

The NDDP is blind to the fact that the commercial centre in Damansara Perdana will be given a much-wanted boost by the inclusion of Dash into Damansara Perdana. Just imagine; the

development that has been scheduled for just the RRIM section of Dash will realise 300,000 additional people, homes and vehicles.

Please NDDP, in line with the inevitable changing needs of societal development, pleaseconsider the greater good of society. Being elitist and exclusive does not bode well for the many. It can only negatively impact on the best interests of the majority. Businesses in Damansara Perdana have long been waiting for this inevitable stimulus.

Dash is the perfect opportunity for the businesses to become an integral part of the benefits of the Dash inclusion into Damansara Perdana. This may not be immediately obvious but ultimately Dash is a win-win for all and this is a given.

TONY MOSES is a PR consultant.