WHAT was once an uneven, muddy stretch of grass along Jalan SS3/29 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has been transformed into a proper 400m pedestrian walkway.
Taman Universiti resident Balachandran Pillay, 84, said residents previously had to navigate the rough terrain or walk directly on the tarmac.
“The ground was uneven and when it rained, people had to walk on the road, which was dangerous.”
He said the new path was particularly beneficial for the neighbourhood’s elderly population, many of whom also used the route to reach the weekly night market.
“Any improvement is better than what it was before,” he said.
The walkway links the Jalan SS3/29-Jalan SS3/66 junction with Jalan SS3/80 at the northern end of Jalan SS3/29, and cost RM95,063.30 to build.
A nearby bus stop was relocated a short distance from its previous site, at a cost of RM82,000 funded by Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Both projects were carried out by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) contractors following applications by Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei’s office and MBPJ Zone 20 councillor Ong Yew Thai.
Additionally, two new badminton courts were built at a playground in Jalan SS3/76, costing nearly RM100,000.
Work on the projects began earlier this year.
Lim said the walkway gave residents easier access to nearby shops, the night market and the bus stop, while the playground served both local children and the residents’ association for meetings and events.
She outlined further community initiatives under consideration, including works funded through the “Projek Selangor Penyayang” (PSP) allocation.
“We are reallocating PSP funds that had initially been intended for this area, to upgrade a basketball court in Jalan SS1/19 which is in poor condition.
“We are also looking at carrying out roof gutter works at two blocks of Sea Park Apartments, as well as addressing septic tank and sewage issues there,” she said.
Ong said he planned to apply for funding for another walkway next year, extending from SMK Sri Permata to the traffic lights near Jalan Majlis.
A pedestrian crossing near Jalan SS3/80 is also being considered, to provide continuous connection with the completed walkway.
Also present was MBPJ Zone 8 councillor Loh Y Lun.
