BY YVONNE T. NATHAN
Children having some fun with performers in a wading pool during the launch of Phase Two of Taman Pudu Ulu in Cheras.
FEDERAL Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor described criticism on unplanned development in Kuala Lumpur as an attempt to discredit the ministry.
“They do not know what we are doing here – they keep on telling the rakyat that the mayor and I are giving out a lot of development projects in Kuala Lumpur without thinking or caring about the environment.
“In fact, we are the first city in Malaysia to have changed all our light fittings on the streets to control carbon emissions.
“We always make sure to put a park in places that can be made green,” he said during the launch of Phase Two of Taman Pudu Ulu in Cheras that featured recreational facilities for the public.
Tengku Adnan said this when asked to comment on a petition initiated by Opposition KL MPs calling for the draft Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020 to be gazetted because of alleged unplanned development in the city.
The lawmakers had alleged that development in the city was out of control and public land was being used for commercial purposes.
Tengku Adnan cited Taman Pudu Ulu as an example, adding that the park was in line with Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) aim to provide more facilities and recreational areas for the local population and increase the number of green areas in the city.
“In the rapid development of the capital, the Government has never forgotten our responsibility of providing recreational facilities for Kuala Lumpur citizens,” he said.
Phase One of Taman Pudu Ulu covering approximately 12.5ha of land was completed in November 2007 and comprised a building maintenance office, guardhouse, parking lots, gazebo, field, toilets, surau and a children’s playground.
The 13.4ha Phase Two, costing RM11mil, includes recreational facilities such as a canopied plaza suitable for activities such as aerobics, a wading pool for children, boardwalk, decking and a stage for performances.
Tengku Adnan added that the planning and development of the landscaping project was carried out by DBKL officers without the involvement of consultants, saving costs.
“I ask for park users to jointly maintain the facilities so that we are able to enjoy its benefits together,” added Tengku Adnan.
A pilot project featuring a small community garden was also provided by DBKL with the help of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute.
The community garden was handed over to the Friends of the Pudu Ulu Park Association chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
“We want members of the association to play an active role in the park including through the planting of more trees.
“I have also suggested building additional toilets and for life guards to be provided for the safety of children in the wading pool,” said Lee, who asked DBKL to provide enforcement in the area to prevent vandalism, snatch thefts and other undesirable activities.
The event also featured the launch of the petanque court which will be used as the venue for the sport at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games and is expected to be fully completed by June.
DBKL executive director (Planning) Datuk Mohd Najib Mohd said the court would later be opened for public use.
[slider id='81590' name='StarProperty' size='full']
Follow us on Wechat or Facebook for the latest updates.
Download StarProperty.my e-Mag(bit.ly/StarProperty_Emag) for more articles.
Want to contribute articles to StarProperty.my? Email editor@starproperty.my
