(From left) Fong, Lai and Leong checking out the pedestrian bridge in Pudu with its gaping holes and uneven flooring.
A PEDESTRIAN bridge connecting Pudu Sentral to shoplots along Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, is being repaired.
Bukit Bintang Federal Territory Residents Representative Council (MPPWP) chairman Ben Fong said this followed numerous complaints about its condition.
“The steel floor plates are uneven and pedestrians might trip.
“There are also holes in the stairs due to rust.
“Many people use the bridge to get to the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) Kuala Lumpur in Pudu Sentral and this can be a safety hazard,” Fong said during a site visit.
During the visit, StarMetro noticed that a number of steel plate floor panels were loose due to unfastened or missing screws, while a pedestrian using the bridge almost tripped and fell.
Several people, believed to be homeless, were also seen loitering nearby.
Kuala Lumpur Advisory Board member Andre Lai, who was present, said damaged sections of the bridge would be repaired as a temporary measure.
“Contractors will fasten screws for the steel floor plates and patch up holes in the stairs.
“According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), it would take RM1.5mil to rebuild the bridge and it is engaging a consultant to check whether a rebuild is needed.”
Lai said the pedestrian bridge had been around for decades, since Pudu Sentral, formerly known as Puduraya Terminal, was built.
“A lot of students in the area use the bridge to cross the road.
“Due to low visibility at dawn and in the evening, the poor condition of the bridge can be a safety hazard to pedestrians.
“I have asked the contractors to check on the lights,” he added.
Lai said other pedestrian bridges in the city were also in a state of disrepair.
Another advisory board member, Carmen Leong, said she would raise the matter with DBKL.
“We learned that the appointed contractors had not carried out scheduled maintenance on the bridge.
“I would suggest DBKL blacklist underperforming contractors and ensure pedestrian bridges in Kuala Lumpur are kept in good condition,” she said.
