Motorists fear gap along Jalan Sentul Pasar may widen

 

The sinkhole is caused by a burst pipe. To fix the sinkhole, a pipe with special modification is needed for repairs, says DBKL. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

A BURST sewerage pipe has caused part of Jalan Sentul Pasar in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, to sink and result in a gaping hole on the street undergoing a road upgrading project.

The sinkhole caused a four-lane road diversion to be reduced to two lanes.

The road diversion was implemented to facilitate road upgrades along Jalan Sentul Pasar (from the city centre towards Batu Caves) in front of Sky Awani Residence.

Motorists are worried that the sinkhole will get bigger if it is not patched up soon.

On April 4, StarMetro reported that residents had complained about uneven surface of a road diversion along Jalan Sentul Pasar due to roadworks at an adjacent lane.

The sinkhole appeared at the road diversion a few days after the report.

Sentul resident SC Lim, 35, said nothing had been done to address the sinkhole.

“The sinkhole is too close for comfort as it is located just next to the lane currently open for motorists’ use,” she said.

“What happens if the road sinks suddenly and affects the usable lane?” she asked.

A Sentul Point condominium resident, who wanted to be known only as Emily, said road upgrading works at Jalan Sentul Pasar had made traffic worse.

“Now that a sinkhole has appeared, the road heading toward Kampung Batu is reduced to one lane, resulting in serious congestion during peak hours.

“It can be chaotic as cars from various areas converge on that one lane.

“The authorities should expedite construction works as it is inconveniencing residents here,” said the 26-year-old lawyer.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), in a statement said a contractor had been asked to carry out remedial works.

“However, the pipe requires special modifications and the contractor is working to address this.

“So far, the project contractor has patched up the road and closed off the open area around the sewerage pipe with a steel plate on April 9.

“Barricades have also been placed around the sinkhole,” said DBKL. - Star