Serious soil subsidence issues have been found at the canopy structure area in the city park.— Filepic
AN in-depth soil structure analysis will be carried out in Taman Pudu Ulu in Kuala Lumpur following the discovery of subsidence and ground movement in several areas of the park.
In a statement, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said investigations found there was serious subsidence around the canopy at the park’s pavilion, wading pool and bridge areas.
“This subsidence has led to structural damage, causing cracks and substantial leaks in the wading pool, necessitating the immediate closure of the affected areas for public safety.
“DBKL has appointed consultants to carry out the soil analysis.
“Repairs of the damaged areas, including the reconstruction of the canopy, will take place once the structural assessment is completed,” said DBKL, adding that Taman Pudu Ulu was designed to provide recreational activities including water play.
It clarified that the canopy, a prominent feature at the park, was completed in 2017 but suffered damage following a thunderstorm several years ago.
The pedestrian bridge spanning the wading pool in Taman Pudu Ulu has wide cracks in the structure. It is one of three areas closed. — Filepic
“The damage posed significant risk to visitors. The canopy was meant to be restored but the area was later found to be structurally compromised.”
DBKL said that in addition to the repairs, it was maintaining the park’s landscape on a monthly schedule.
“Regrettably, vandalism has necessitated more repair work.”
DBKL was responding to a StarMetro’s Aug 16 article headlined “No progress in park maintenance, says NGO”, which highlighted the overall poor maintenance of the park and closure of the popular wading pool for nearly a year.
The matter was raised by the Friends of The Pudu Ulu Park Association chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who lamented that there had been no updates by DBKL over the issues highlighted.
Spanning 25.9ha, Taman Pudu Ulu was opened on Dec 15, 2007, after a long delay due to the economic recession in the late 1990s.
Phase 2 of the park began in 2015 and was launched in April 2017.
In 2017, Taman Pudu Ulu was one of the venues for the 29th SEA Games as well as the location for the Kuala Lumpur Orchid and Bonsai Show.
The park, which also has a children’s playground and rugby field, opens daily from 6am to 8pm.
