3. Mayor: Retaining wall outdated

KUALA LUMPUR: The retaining wall in Bukit Setiawangsa was the wrong type which was why it partially collapsed, destroying a luxury bungalow and putting more than 100 homes and shops in jeopardy.

The startling revelation by Mayor Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib has now raised fears that similar walls may also be at risk.

He told a press conference last night that the shotcrete retaining wall, which was built in 1992, would not have been approved today as it would not have met present specifications.

If the developer had applied to build the same wall today, it would not be approved as it would not meet the Oct 10, 2010 guidelines on hillslope developments.

If the wall was built in accordance with those guidelines, the landslide would not have happened, he said.

However, he also said nobody could be blamed for the landslide as the developer had adhered to the previous guidelines.

Asked why the wall was not rebuilt in order to comply with the 2010 guidelines, Ahmad Phesal said the developer, I&P Group Sdn Bhd, monitored and conducted maintenance work on the wall in 2007.

Despite this, the wall still collapsed, he added.

It is not known how many such shotcrete walls have been built on unsuitable soil conditions but the mayor said City Hall would urgently review those within its jurisdiction.

The landslide occurred at 10pm on Friday in the posh neighbourhood of Bukit Setiawangsa, which comprised luxury bungalows, boutique shops and terrace houses.

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3. Mayor: Retaining wall outdated