Putrajaya parks left rotting

Putrajaya parks left rotting

By GEETHA KRISHNAN
Photos by ROHAIZAT MD DARUS and CHUA KOK HWA

geetha@thestar.com.my

A FEW of the parks in Putrajaya are a far cry from the thriving tourist attractions they were before.

Parts of Taman Botani Putrajaya in Precinct 1 and Putrajaya Wetlands in Precinct 13 are now in a deplorable state.

Silence has descended on these parks, once hubs of activity where crowds thronged on weekends and public holidays.

Acting on public complaints and comments, StarMetro decided to survey the situation.

The state of affairs in Taman Botani Putrajaya certainly warrants attention and sources have implied that a change in management has led to its current state especially with this being Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad officially launched the sprawling botanical park on Feb 4, 2003. The scenario then and now is starkly different.


Out of order: A sign informs visitors that this interactive display no longer works.
Some 90% of the nature-themed exhibits at the Visitor Interpretive Centre (VIC) were not in working order.

The gargantuan mechanical praying mantis that used to scare a few tots was no longer mobile. The interactive mushrooms could not be illuminated through touch like before and the swaying sunflowers were stiff.

Education panels supplying rich sources of information for schoolchildren and college students were bare.

Signs posted on the exhibits said maintenance work was in progress. The gift shop was closed while other areas once accessible to the public were cordoned off.

Though entrance is now free, there remains little to be seen and enjoyed at the VIC.

Staff members were also scarce and the two we encountered had a nonchalant attitude.


Vantage point: Even this observation tower at Putrajaya Wetlands has seen better days.
The one manning the ticketing counter gave vague replies when we enquired about the non-functioning exhibits and seemed preoccupied with his computer. When we asked what we could do at the park, he said bicycles were available for rent.

No information was offered on the tram and buggy service used to discover the many mini gardens like the Vine Garden, Sun Garden and African Collection.

No mention was made of the Islamic Garden Pavilion and Water Activity Centre within the park either.

The Water Activity Centre was devoid of workers and boats or any other form of activity, for that matter, while a guard stationed near the Islamic Garden Pavilion informed us that tickets to the tourist attraction could be purchased from the VIC.

Taman Botani Putrajaya is still ideal for pleasant walks and green discoveries but the experience is not as enriching as before.

It has been a few months now since Putrajaya Corporation took over the park management reins from a private operator but serious commitment is required to restore the park’s glory.

People are also wondering whether the local authority has the necessary expertise and funds for the task.

A similar situation was witnessed at the Putrajaya Wetlands.

Phase 2 is nearing completion but sources say they dread the future awaiting the wetlands, once abundant with flora and fauna.

In its heyday, Putrajaya Wetlands played host to a wide range of activities like nature camps, angling competitions, songbird contests and treasure hunts. The annual calendar of events, like the one drawn up for Taman Botani Putrajaya, used to be full.

It used to have a Nature Interpretation Centre with comprehensive information on the wetlands and how the attraction came into existence. The NIC was closed when work on Phase 2 began.


Empty cabin: The former operations centre for Putrajay Wetlands is no longer in use.
Operations were shifted to a cabin also housing a gift shop with the intention of re-opening the NIC at a later date. The cabin is now empty and the campsite has not been used for months.

Meanwhile, Putrajaya Corporation remains mum on what is in store for Phase 2.

Over at the Lake Recreation Centre in Precinct 12, the scenario is also worrying.

Only a skeleton staff of six has been maintained at the centre where boating and kayaking activities are available.

When we enquired about the poor state of the duffy boats and kayaks, we were told a technical team was scheduled to arrive for repairs and maintenance work.

Putrajaya residents said their children had been using the facilities without any form of monitoring.

Staff shortage means a watchful eye cannot be kept on those heading out to the Putrajaya Lake for boating activities or on anglers who can now fish at the centre for free. The nominal charge imposed previously gave anglers a sense of responsibility.

It goes without saying that anything available for free is usually taken for granted.