A year-long hill-cutting project on Jalan Central Raya in Batam is drawing sharp criticism from the local community, particularly those in the food and beverage sector. The dust and noise caused by the project are driving customers away, resulting in significant losses for local businesses. Despite the project’s scale, transparency regarding its permits and execution remains questionable.
The hill-cutting project on Jalan Central Raya, Batam, has been ongoing for nearly a year, causing considerable discomfort to local businesses, especially those in the culinary sector. The construction’s noise and dust have significantly reduced customer traffic, while local business owners raise concerns about the project’s lack of transparency, particularly the absence of information boards.
The absence of a project information board has raised suspicions about the legality and transparency of the hill-cutting operation. Local business owners and residents are questioning whether the project has the necessary permits and approvals, as there is no visible signage displaying details such as project numbers or involved parties.
One affected business owner, who runs a food outlet near the site, shared that dust and noise pollution from heavy machinery have caused a noticeable drop in customers. “The dust in the air and the constant noise from the machines make people avoid the area,” they said, noting that business had slowed considerably since the project began.
In addition to losing customers, the restaurant staff has had to deal with the daily task of cleaning the dust that settles on tables and chairs. Despite the disruption, the construction company behind the project has not offered any solutions or compensation to affected businesses.
The business owner also raised concerns over the project’s lack of transparency, noting that no formal complaints had been addressed by the company. They questioned whether the construction had the proper permits, stating, “We’ve never seen any project signs, which makes us wonder if this project is even legal.”
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The ongoing disruption caused by the hill-cutting project highlights the need for greater corporate responsibility and transparency, particularly when public and business interests are directly affected. Local businesses are now calling for authorities to investigate and ensure that environmental and business concerns are properly addressed.
For international visitors and Singaporeans traveling to Batam, such infrastructure projects can impact the experience of local dining and leisure. The hill-cutting project on Jalan Central Raya underscores the importance of balancing development with community and environmental well-being.
A hill-cutting project in Batam has caused air and noise pollution, severely impacting local businesses. The absence of clear project transparency raises concerns, while affected business owners are calling for solutions and regulatory oversight.
Source: Batam News (2024)
Keywords: Hill-Cutting Project, Local Businesses Impact, Air Pollution
