LETTERS: A lot of children's playgrounds are in disrepair. Despite complaints to the local authorities, not much is done to remedy the problem.
Rickety seesaws, swings, slides, spring riders, multi-play stations and others rust or wear out over time and need to be replaced.
The parents who accompany their children are the first to notice if playground equipment needs to be repaired or replaced.
Unfortunately, complaints to local authorities are often overlooked.
Excuses such as lack of financial allocations or that tenders have been called but the contractors have not been chosen are given to placate the complainant.
I have observed that children's playgrounds as well as fields in Selangor are not in good condition.
In many cases, grass, twigs, branches, fronds and dead plants are piled up at the side of the field.
Snakes and centipedes will find these piles of waste a convenient refuge and this will be a danger to children and others. Grass must be cut short, and all waste should be cleared quickly, not piled up for later clearance.
Recreational and sports facilities must be kept in good condition to avoid unnecessary risks to users, especially children and seniors.
Local councillors and municipal officials need to act on complaints about children's playgrounds, as well as football fields and other sports and recreational facilities.
The children's playground in my residential area, Taman Seri Putra Fasa 3, in Sungai Buloh has been in poor condition and needs upgrades or repairs.
I lodged a complaint with the Selayang Municipal Council a few months ago through the public complaints mangement system portal but no action has been taken.
I also observe that nearby housing estates face the same problems.
Thus, I appeal to Sungai Buloh member of parliament Datuk R. Ramanan to help resolve this issue.
A similar appeal was also made to Ab Halim Tamuri, the state assemblyman for the Paya Jaras constituency.
ANNIE MATHEW GEORGE
Sungai Buloh, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times