Yee (left) showing the broken and uneven tiles at the junction of Jalan Kuang Bertam and Jalan Metro Prima. With him are Mohd Nor and two wheelchair users.
WORK to resurface broken tiles on a walkway along Jalan Metro Prima, Taman Kepong in Kuala Lumpur, is now under way.
The uneven walkway has been a safety hazard for pedestrians, especially wheelchair users.
Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) Road Maintenance Unit deputy director Mohd Nor Asham Suradi said the repairs were part of a two-phase plan scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
The work that began in August will cover approximately 1.3km from the KFC in front of Aeon Big in Jalan Kepong to the Jesus Caritas Catholic church in Jalan Metro Prima.
“This ensures that there will be a seamless connection from the church to the Kepong Baru wet market for pedestrians,” said Mohd Nor.
Wheelchair users unable to access the pavement have to use Jalan Metro Prima despite proximity to fast-moving traffic on the road.
He added that the walkway would be given a concrete finish.
“This is more durable and solid, compared to tiles that break easily.
“Moreover, when a tile breaks, it is really difficult to replace, so we hope this switch will be better and safer in the long run.”
Kepong Community Service Centre head Yee Poh Ping said protruding tree roots had earlier cracked the tiles and caused them to become uneven.
He raised the issue with DBKL after receiving complaints last year from a wheelchair user on the uneven walkway at the junction of Jalan Kuang Bertam and Jalan Metro Prima.
“Many people with disabilities use this walkway to get to nearby supermarkets to sell tissue paper or lottery tickets.
“The damaged tiles made it difficult for wheelchair users, especially those who do not have motorised wheelchairs, as they are unable to lift and push themselves over the uneven surface.”
Yee said certain parts of the walkway had gaps that impeded wheelchair users so they were forced to the road itself, putting them at risk of being hit by vehicles.
Yee said the kerbs should not be too high as it would be difficult for wheelchair users to access the pavement.
“We want safe and convenient access, especially for people with disabilities. The walkway also serves as a jogging track for other residents.
“We want to thank DBKL for its effort and hard work in find ing solutions for the residents’ benefit.”
