The retaining wall at the Astaka field is leaning forward slightly.
A NEWLY constructed retaining wall at Astaka field in Section 52, Petaling Jaya in Selangor, has raised the ire of parkgoers as it appears to be tilting forward.
An engineer, who spoke to StarMetro on condition of anonymity, said there was a structural flaw in the wall’s construction.
“The panelling on the wall is segmented and unevenly laid.
“How did the local authority’s engineering department put out the tender for the contract?,” he asked.
“Just standing next to the wall and with the naked eye, we can see that it is unstable. It could collapse.
“The overall design and construction does not look right at all,” the engineer added.
The poor workmanship has also been questioned by residents living nearby who frequently exercise at the park.
They want Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to be accountable and make sure the project is completed without further issues.
“Since late March, MBPJ closed off part of the walkway for this project and part of the footpath was completely torn out.
Some of the bricks used to construct the retaining wall are already broken.
“We didn’t know there was going to be a wall, because it was not stated on the notice board that was erected,” said retiree J. Raj, 72.
The notice board states that MBPJ is carrying out slope repairs and stabilisation work behind Lorong Utara, which is scheduled to be completed by Sept 2.
The retaining wall measures just over 100m.
Malik Ismail, 38, who frequently jogs at the field, said the newly paved walkway along this stretch was also uneven.
“There are some bricks which are loose and popping out.
“One has to be careful walking and jogging here.
“If you look at some of the manholes, only one has steel grating under it, the rest don’t,” he said.
Although complaints have been lodged via the MBPJ Respons Rakyat app, no action has been taken yet and the status of the matter is “under investigation”.
