DBKL to spend RM92 mil on flood prevention infrastructure

KUALA LUMPUR (May 24): Deputy minister of Federal Territories Datuk Loga Bala Mohan said Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be spending a total of RM92 million to upgrade infrastructure in Kuala Lumpur (KL), to prevent further floods in the future.

This follows the flash flood incident in KL earlier this month, which was caused by unusually heavy rainfall and a clogged retention pond, resulting in damage to over 100 cars.

"The replacement of the anchor pipe at Taman Perdana and the construction of a retention pond and a culvert near Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar and the road to Parliament will cost RM35 million.

"To overcome the flash flood issue at Jalan Pantai Baru, Universiti Malaya, works to deepen and upgrade the retention pond, as well as to set up a pump station at the intersection of the Pantai and Klang rivers will cost RM50 million," he said during a session at the Special Chamber.

He added that another RM2 million will be spent to detour traffic and to have a system and infrastructure in place for a flood warning system to inform the public and other parties, ahead of an impending incident.

Meanwhile, RM5 million will be spent on upgrading the coordination system at the traffic management centre.

"The amount of rainfall was more than expected that day, which was around 165mm, exceeding our retention capacity of 70mm. Our current drainage system can handle only up to 70mm and cannot handle this kind of rainfall.

"We have submitted a report and requested for the government to help DBKL and the Ministry of Federal Territories to upgrade the infrastructure in the affected areas, as we need new pipes, a new pump station and more retention ponds to resolve this issue," said Loga. – theedgemarkets.com

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