Netting on the pedestrian bridge beside the MRT station is feared insufficient to protect those passing below.
After five years of putting up with the din, dirt and disturbance from the construction of a three-block high-rise project and the MRT Kajang station, Jalan Bukit residents say they have yet to see closure.
Taman Bukit Kajang Baru residents Vivehananthan Vairakkannu, 55, and Anbarasu Subramaniam, 71, said not only was the Jalan Bukit main road still in a mess because of construction activity despite complaints, safety precautions had also been thrown to the wind.
Syahredzan (left) discussing the issue with Vivehananthan.
Vivehananthan, a senior manager with a renewable energy company, said as an example, there were no safety barriers at the spot where a metal staircase was being assembled to later be joined to an overhead pedestrian bridge beside the MRT station.
When StarMetro visited the site with Vivehananthan, tools and electrical extensions were left in the open by the road.
There were no barriers or warning signs surrounding the partly completed staircase.
A long electrical wire trailed from the incomplete bridge down to the ground.
Netting on the bridge covered only the bottom section, raising concern on its effectiveness in catching beams from falling onto passing cars below.
Vivehananthan is also concerned over the poor traffic flow management on Jalan Bukit.
He pointed out that three schools were on this street but no allowance was made for pick-up and drop-off areas.
No action is taken against motorists for parking illegally by the road and taking up an entire lane in an already congested area.
Pedestrians navigate the street at their own peril in the absence of walkways.
Vivehananthan also said cleaning workers were not doing a satisfactory job.
There are no safety barriers where a metal staircase is being assembled to connect to the pedestrian bridge. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Over at Jalan 4 in Taman Bukit Kajang Baru, retired sports coach Anbarasu said workers would clean certain parts of the drains but leave other parts untouched.
In the back lanes, some drains are damaged, causing water to stagnate, while potholes are also left unattended.
“The mess has created a breeding ground for mosquitoes and also attracted rats and snakes,” Anbarasu said.
Both Vivehananthan and Anbasaru want to know why Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has neglected to maintain the area, especially as Jalan Bukit is a major thoroughfare used by residents of Taman Bukit, Taman Bukit Permai and Taman Bukit Kajang Baru.
Vivehananthan said, “We are also questioning how the high-rise plans along Jalan Bukit can be approved when the street is already so congested.”
Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan visited the site and said he would follow up on the matter with MPKj.
He also said he would visit nearby housing areas to assess cleanliness levels.
