The large tree along Jalan 16/15 that was previously covered with metal reinforcement grids.
PEOPLE living in Section 16 and 17, Petaling Jaya, are concerned about the potential damage to trees caused by a pedestrian walkway upgrading project in the area.
Several residents told StarMetro that two large trees along Jalan 16/15 has been covered with metal reinforcement grids, indicating that concrete pouring is imminent.
This could encase the tree’s roots in concrete which would suffocate them.
Section 17 resident Tracy Toh said the contractor for the project was putting the existing trees at risk once they pour concrete over the aggregate.
“This will choke the tree’s roots and eventually affect its stability.
“Over time, the tree roots will also break up the pavement,” she said.
She questioned why Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ Engineering Department did not address the issue before work began.
Toh added that the road bend was previously a grassy patch shaded by trees, where MRT users walk to and wait to be picked up.
“What is needed is a shelter where people from the MRT station can wait for pick up,” she said.
The ongoing construction of the 500m walkway project, which will extend from the traffic light intersection of Jalan 17/1 and Jalan 16/11 to Phileo Damansara 2, includes safety features such as bollards to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic, a zebra crossing at the entrance of Phileo Damansara 1, and lighting under the road ramp.
But the project faced criticism from local residents regarding the contractor’s methods.
Senior citizen Dr Subramaniam Krishnan, who used the stretch of road to reach the Phileo Damansara MRT station, was shocked to see the reinforcement grids placed so close to the trees.
“Skilled contractors would understand the need for a buffer zone to protect tree roots during pavement construction,” he added.
MBPJ Zone 10 councillor Christopher Ong said the city council would take steps to accommodate the trees within the project’s design.
“Sufficient space has been allocated around the trees to ensure the walkway construction does not directly impact the immediate surroundings,” he said.
Ong emphasised MBPJ’s commitment to balancing development with environmental considerations.
He said they aimed to create a safer and more convenient pedestrian route between Phileo Damansara and Seksyen 17 while preserving the existing greenery.
