KUALA LUMPUR – The Jejak Pahlawan or Warrior’s Trail project at Bulatan Dato Onn here is not a white elephant, and grand plans for the project had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, said Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah.
He said scheduled improvement work had been delayed due to the movement control order (MCO), as well as complications from heavy downpours and floods.
“Before the MCO, we did improvement work to the trail.
“When the facilities at Bulatan Dato Onn were completed, we wanted to bring content to the area, but we faced the MCO,” he told reporters after launching Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s mobile surau and rapid response vehicle at its headquarters this morning.
The Vibes today reported concerns over the multi-million promenade project which was launched on March 1 by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.
The project is said to be part of the Heritage Trail 5 (HT5) beautification project meant to showcase the city’s cultural tapestry and history.
During the launch, Shahidan said the Warrior’s Trail will be a new attraction in the city, a boost to tourism in the area that is expected to help bring business to locals.
In 2018, it was reported that HT5 will cost the federal government RM26 million.
However, concerns were raised over the project’s design and whether it would attract tourists.
The promenade has become prone to flooding as stone and concrete were used for the base flooring, while the massive two-ramp steel bridge that runs above the promenade is not fulfilling its objective of diverting traffic congestion.
Nevertheless, Mahadi expressed confidence that the trail will attract more local and international visitors to the federal capital.
“It’s not a white elephant. For this trail to be an attraction, there needs to be a lot of exposure and introductory programmes.
“Sooner or later, it will become a tourist attraction spot.” – The Vibes, September 25, 2022
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