Wangsa Sari PPR gets a RM2.24m upgrade and a bridge for pupils

Wangsa Sari PPR in Kuala Lumpur is getting a RM2.24 million upgrade and a new pedestrian bridge. Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) announced the works on 7 October. The project covers 272 homes and about 1,061 residents.

For many families, the bridge matters most. For example, children now balance along water pipes to cross the river behind the block, Malay Mail reported. Resident Jasbee Kaur said of the bridge: “For me, it’s like Deepavali!”

Residents also have wishes the upgrade does not cover, such as ownership and parking. The Star, Malay Mail and Berita RTM supplied the details. Here is what DBKL is building, what it costs and what residents say.

Wangsa Sari PPR: A bridge over the river

The bridge is 18 metres long and 2 metres wide, The Star reported. It links Wangsa Sari PPR to a field nearby. It crosses the Sungai Bunus reserve, Berita RTM said. DBKL has set aside RM200,000 for it, on top of the RM2.24 million upgrade.

Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud said it will give residents a safer and more convenient route. Until now they walked along Jalan 2/27A to reach the park. Meanwhile, he expects the bridge to finish by the end of the year.

Wangsa Maju MP Zahir Hassan first raised the idea, Malay Mail reported. He visited in 2023 and found few facilities. Later, he learned that children had fallen into the river while crossing on the pipes.

Resident Mohd Fazil Md Noor, 56, said the bridge will become the main route to school. He said it could cut about 1km off the journey. Also, some children walk or cycle, so he called the bridge ideal.

Where the money goes

DBKL itemised the RM2.24 million for The Star. Repainting takes RM1.1 million. Replacing the sub-main cable and main switchboard costs RM904,000. Road resurfacing costs RM136,000, and the fire safety system upgrade costs RM101,000.

The block now wears beige and white instead of plain white, according to Malay Mail. Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh said Fadlun chose the neutral colours. In addition, she agreed that PPR buildings often carry too many colours.

Yeoh said the repainting was meant for “returning dignity to people”, Berita RTM reported. She urged residents to look after the upgraded facilities. Malay Mail reported that the block has 21 storeys and dates from 2008.

The work forms part of a wider programme. Fadlun said almost 70 per cent of Kuala Lumpur’s 64 PPR have been upgraded. He expects spending from DBKL’s RM300 million allocation to reach 90 per cent by year-end. In short, Wangsa Sari is one of many.

What Wangsa Sari PPR residents still want

Wangsa Sari PPR residents welcomed the changes. Fazil said the repainted buildings make the PPR feel like Hari Raya, where everything looks new. He added that the wiring and lights were replaced too.

Still, some worry about side effects. Resident Nurazlina Abd Aziz said many motorcycles are parked at the back. She said theft may increase, though she also said children’s safety matters.

Parking is a wider problem. However, Berita RTM reported that DBKL is looking at extra spaces. Current parking falls short for the number of homes. The reports do not say where or when.

Finally, the biggest wish is ownership. Jasbee said residents want the government to give them the chance to buy their homes, which they still rent. Watch whether DBKL responds, and whether the bridge opens by the end of the year.