Damaged paved path at Astaka field a risk to users

Harbans at the site of the uprooted tree along the Astaka recreational field near the sports complex.

THE field at Astaka Sports Complex in Petaling Jaya has always been a popular recreational and exercise site among residents in the city, especially those living nearby.

With the Covid-19 movement restrictions lifted and recreational activities allowed, locals have been visiting the field again for exercise, using the paved walkway for walking and jogging.

However, the side of the sports field that runs along the back of The Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territories is marred by a huge tree uprooted during a thunderstorm in June. It has yet to be cleared.

The fallen tree has also damaged part of the walkway, with broken brick tiles strewn about and a big slab of cement blocking the path.

Unhappy residents are saying that this was dangerous as the spot was sunken and people could easily loose their footing and fall.

Lawyer Harbans Kaur, who lived nearby and goes for morning walks along the field, said the loose bricks along the walkway were dangerous, especially for elderly folk.

“We have many senior citizens walking here in the mornings and evenings. It is sad to see that the authorities have neglected to clear the uprooted tree for months now.

The damaged spot is sunken.

“If a person is not paying attention, he or she can easily trip and injure themselves because of the uneven walkway,” she told StarMetro.

Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had paved the walkway earlier this year.

Businessman R. Ganesan, 59, who often walked around the field in the evenings, urged MBPJ to quickly clear the uprooted tree for the community’s safety.

“I cannot understand why they are taking so long to do this. The tree is rotting already.

“We have to be extra alert now when using the walkway because sometimes the bricks near the damaged spot are loose and strewn haphazardly.

“Undergrowth is beginning to appear too and this should be cleared,” he said.

Another frequent jogger in the area SL Tan, 62, feared snakes could emerge from the rotting tree and the undergrowth.

“It is the rainy season now and mosquitoes are abundant in this part of the field because there are pockets of uneven spaces where water can stagnate.

“The walkway was nice and paved but unfortunately, the tree fell and damaged the ground.

“The authorities should look into this quickly and not delay it,” he said.

When alerted by StarMetro, MBPJ Corporate Communications Department spokesperson said the matter would be handled by the relevant department.