A five-phase restoration plan has been set in motion to repair the collapsed retaining wall at the Astaka sports field in Section 52, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the recovery process began this month with the preparation of the bill of quantities (BQ) for soil investigation works (SI).
This initial phase, estimated to cost RM130,000, involved appointing a contractor to assess the ground stability.
Mohamad Zahri said the second phase, from April to August, would cover on-site SI works, sample laboratory testing and submission of technical report to the Selangor and Federal Territories Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG).
This will be followed by a review of MBPJ’s report by JMG to validate findings.
“The fourth phase, spanning October to February 2027, will involve appointing geotechnical consultants to conduct disaster studies and propose a restoration design,” he said.
The final stage – tendering, physical construction and eventual handover of the completed site – is expected to take place from February 2027 to January 2028.
The long-term plan may offer little comfort to those living along Lorong Utara, who are growing increasingly frustrated nearly two months after the structure collapsed.
Lorong Utara Residents Association (Lura) president Syed Izzuddin Alshahab described the lack of remedial work since late February as “alarming”.
A site visit by StarMetro on April 8 found the area becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes, with the protective tarpaulin covering the slope already starting to fray.
“The mosquitoes are affecting our homes too, and we are worried about a dengue outbreak,” said Syed Izzuddin.
He added that evening downpours could further weaken the slope, potentially triggering another collapse.
Philip Hew, who walks along the field daily, echoed similar concerns and noted a surge in mosquitoes with the distinct white markings characteristic of the Aedes species.
“The broken rubble looks horrible and is marring the field and walkway.
“I have even spotted small snakes lately,” he said.
Responding to these concerns, Mohamad Zahri said Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) hoarded up the site on March 3 for public safety.
“Regarding complaints related to stagnant water, mosquitoes and cluttered areas, the relevant department will investigate and take action through the slope maintenance panel contractor.”
The department, he said, would monitor the site until the restoration works were completed.
StarMetro previously reported on Feb 24 that the wall had collapsed, with the mayor later revealing that the structure had originally been built without a prior land study or suitability assessment.
