KL mayor: Shoddy patch-up work has resulted in potholes

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MOST of the potholes in Kuala Lumpur are the result of shoddy patch-up work by utility companies after digging to lay underground cables.

A study by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) found that 70% of potholes were due to continuous open cuts on the road followed by shoddy patchwork.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the road surface could be compared with the skin.

“Once the surface is broken, it becomes difficult to bring it back to its original state,” he said.

Trenchless technology has been identified as the main solution for the never-ending pothole problem and is expected to be carried out on selected roads starting next year.

Major problem: About 70% of potholes are due to continuous open cuts on the road followed by shoddy patchwork.

DBKL has since set an action plan to introduce the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) or pipe-jacking method which only requires two cuts on the surface, launching pit and receiving pit.

This technology prevents open digging and also reduces the chance of damaging other cables compared with the open cut method widely used, which requires the whole stretch of road surface to be dug up.

“We have planned to start using the new method on the main roads in the city centre like Jalan Imbi, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Pinang by introducing common trenching which allows multiple utility lines in a single trench, thus reducing cost and the number of places in which cuts are made.

“Utility tunnel is also an option but it would be difficult to build because it requires closing at least one lane for construction work which would worsen the traffic situation.

“We have the technology but the cost would be three to five times higher than the conventional method and utility companies would most likely increase their service rates to cover the higher cost of maintenance.

Upgrading: The new double extruded kerb is designed high to prevent rubbish that has fallen into it from being visible.

“It is about time we switch our method for the better. Most the people resist change but they need to realise that the changes made are for the better,” he said.

Fuad said people need to look at the benefits of the HDD method which was also environment-friendly.

“Countries like Singapore and major cities like Paris and London are enjoying the benefits of going trenchless. In Malaysia, some companies like Gas Malaysia has already started the new method in Jalan Ampang and surrounding areas,” he said.

“We have a system for all processes including road work but many parties do not adhere to procedures. For example many utility companies do not apply for permits to carry out underground cabling work past midnight. We only come to know about it the next morning after seeing the patch work.

“We do collect a sum of money as deposit from these utility companies but how are we to know who are the culprits when they operate without our knowledge.

“However, we have been repairing and resurfacing all roads periodically as scheduled,” he said.

Fuad said DBKL was also studying on the road planning to ensure that the new projects did not replicate the LRT and MRT lines.

“Future construction of roads would be more in the outer parts of the city centre like the Duke highway. We want to avoid new roads in the city because it would not make a difference to the traffic congestion,” he said.

Fuad said DBKL was also looking into upgrading the road kerbs and maintaining its cleanliness.

“We are creating a one-and-a-half feet double extruded kerb in Jalan Bangsar, while work is under way at the Mahameru Highway to change the metal kerb wider. Other roads on the list include Jalan Kuching, Jalan Ipoh, Jalan Cheras and Jalan Duta.

“These kerbs are designed high to prevent rubbish that has fallen into it from being visible from the road. There will also be trees and shrubs planted along the kerbs.

“In the past, characteristics of plants suitable for the roads have been overlooked and has caused problems. For example the angsana trees show signs of weakness after 30 years.

“Now plants are carefully chosen to compliment the roads like the bushida, which could be shaped although it grows big. Flowering plants like bougainvilla and terra cotta will also give a beautiful view,” he added.

Fuad said to make Kuala Lumpur a liveable city people need a mental revolution.

“Children are following their parents who openly throw rubbish everywhere and into the drain, thus polluting our rivers.

“Parents should lead by example and teach their children on the importance of being an ethical and responsible citizen in caring for the environment and surroundings, as good habits are inculcated from young,” he said.