By Sheeda Fathil
SHAH ALAM, Nov 11 — The state government has allocated nearly RM40 million to carry out immediate repair works in 50 flood-prone hotspots in Selangor.
State executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim said this includes RM25.7 million for digging and deepening works on rivers and ponds, constructing and upgrading bands, installing new pumps, and demolishing illegal structures in river reserves.
He added that RM4 million will be used to construct the Bluewater reservoir in Seri Kembangan, and RM10 million to construct a reservoir at Lebuhraya Grand Shapadu, next to Taman Mutiara Bukit Raja.
“This immediate action is aimed at reducing the frequency and effects of flooding on the residents in the affected areas, who had to bear the losses caused by property damage.
“The works will commence in December, and are expected to be completed in stages until April next year,” Izham said during a press conference at the Selangor State Secretariat Building earlier today.
The flooding hotspots include the areas around Seksyen 13 (Shah Alam), Taman Meru Daya (Klang), Kampung Ginching, Kampung Salak Tinggi (Sepang), and Selayang Baru (Gombak).
He explained the floods occur due to the high rainfall in excess of 65 millimetres in a short period of time, asides from the irrigation system and river which could not accomodate the irrigation capacity.
“The rapid development is also a factor behind the frequent flooding, as well as the obstruction by illegal structures in the river reserve, which also had an effect on the smoothness of the water flow.
“We hope that with this immediate action, it will handle the flooding incidents in the affected areas,” Izham said.
