PJ walkway project stalled

A PROJECT to provide a 200m-long sheltered walkway along Lorong Utara B in Section 52, Petaling Jaya, has stalled for two months.

The walkway outside Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital leads to the Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya Sikh Temple and the Astaka field.

Residents, temple-goers, visitors and students are puzzled as to why the project has stopped.

Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya Sikh Temple chairman Awtar Singh said the project started in December last year.

However, work stopped several weeks later and the frame for the walkway is only partly installed.

The stall that is obstructing the walkway.

“We welcome the project as it will provide shade for visitors parking at bays at the Astaka field and those heading to the temple, hospital and school,” said Awtar.

“Many visitors use this walkway and it is good if the structure is completed fast.

“However, we hope the structure does not cover our temple’s logo.”

He also called for the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to take action against an illegal stall selling apparel and food outside the temple.

“The stall is obstructing the walkway,” said Awtar.

“The traders are foreigners who are not associated with the temple.

“They tried selling their goods from inside the gurdwara but we did not allow them so they set up a stall outside.”

Tina Lim, a student at a nearby college, welcomed the sheltered walkway initiative.

“However, many pedestrians are forced to walk on the road instead of the pavement, near the temple, because of a stall blocking our way,” she said.

Meanwhile, area councillor Bryan Ng said MBPJ had informed the contractor in charge to complete the project within two weeks, or face penalty.

“The contractor is required to pay a fine for every day there is a delay in completing the project,” said Ng.

A report on the illegal stall has been sent to the city council for further action, he added.