The value of property in Sungai Buaya and its surrounding areas is expected to rise by between 30 and 40 per cent when the Sungai Buaya elevated interchange is built.

Rejecting allegations that the project was a 'special project' to draw votes for BN in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary by-election tomorrow, Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor said work will start in the first quarter of 2011 and is expected to be completed in 30 months.

He claims the interchange will provide access for more than 100,000 users in the Sungai Buaya, Sungai Choh, Serendah and north Rawang areas and will cost about RM90 million.

The project by Plus Expressways Bhd (Plus) is a standard project by the government to provide amenities to the people, he said after presenting prizes at a colouring contest at Sungai Buaya, Hulu Selangor today.

He said the project has been planned earlier along with the elevated intersections at Alur Pongsu and Bukit Gambir.

Land acquisition involved

"If people say the elevated intersection is a lie by the government, how is it that the intersections at Alur Pongsu and Bukit Gambir have been tendered and this reflects a customary matter for the government to bring about planned development," he said.

Shaziman said the cooperative project between Plus and the ministry would take some time as it involved land acquisition.

He also said the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) was having discussions with various agencies including the district land offices and the State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) on the matter.

He also hoped the Selangor state government will cooperate with MHA and the federal government on the matter.

– Bernama