Cheras sinkhole leads to closure of several roads
Tan (fifth from right) being briefed during a site visit in to the sinkhole in Taman Pertama, Cheras. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
A SINKHOLE nearly 3m deep has formed in Taman Pertama, Cheras in Kuala Lumpur, sparking concern.
The sinkhole, which appeared at the intersection of Jalan Selar and Jalan Selangat in the early morning of April 28, has led to the closure of sections of both roads as well as Jalan Semerah Padi 1 for public safety.
It is understood that the sinkhole developed during preliminary sewerage pipe-laying works being carried out by contractors at a nearby development project.
However, it is yet to be determined whether the construction work was directly linked to the incident.
Resident Au Yong Kim Meng said the hole was initially medium-sized.
'Then it started widening, until the authorities had to close a portion of the road.
'The traffic has become very congested due to the diversions, and we do not even know when it will be repaired.
'I hope the sinkhole does not get worse, especially since there are houses nearby.'
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai said a meeting involving Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), his office and the developer's representatives was held on May 6.
'Following the meeting, it was decided that the intersection will remain closed to allow further site investigations and ensure public safety,' he said at a press conference at the site yesterday.
'DBKL has instructed the contractors to submit a traffic management plan and has given them seven days to prepare a report for further assessment.'
Tan said there were no reports of property damage or injuries resulting from the latest sinkhole.
Tan explained that contractors working for the developer had only been carrying out preliminary sewage pipe-laying works in the area when the sinkhole occurred.
However, he said the contractors had yet to carry out any jacking works and further investigation was necessary to determine the root cause.
He noted that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred in the area.
'This area has a history of sinkholes.
'In view of the fact that this is not the first sinkhole to occur here, there is a possibility that others could form and cover a larger area.
'For the safety of the public and motorists, I want a thorough and in-depth investigation into the soil condition in this area,' he stressed.
'What happened in Masjid India horrified many people.
'Any sinkhole, big or small, will naturally cause public concern and alarm,' he said.
Tan also urged DBKL to expedite the utility mapping task force study.
The task force was set up following the Masjid India incident to check the safety of the soil structure at Jalan Masjid India and its surrounding area.
The government had allocated RM10mil for the initiative this year.
A DBKL representative from the Civil Engineering and Drainage Department said he was not authorised to comment on the matter.
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