A LONG-STANDING flood mitigation issue that has plagued Lebuhraya Thean Teik for more than three decades is finally showing signs of relief following the completion of a new underground drainage system.
Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai said the newly completed system, which channels floodwater from the low-lying Lebuhraya Thean Teik area into Sungai Dondang, has been functioning effectively over the past two months.
“Residents here know that flooding has been an issue for over 30 years. Every time it rained, the roads became a mess, traffic came to a standstill, and motorcyclists had to wade through muddy water,” he said during a site visit this morning.
Wong explained that the drainage works were carried out as part of the paired road project, with the state government instructing the contractor to resolve the long-standing flood issue concurrently.
He said the solution involved constructing a new concrete drain measuring over 100 metres in length, about 1.8 metres wide and two metres deep, cutting across the main road to connect with Sungai Dondang.
“It was not easy. The contractor had to dig across the main road at night to avoid traffic congestion. The work was done overnight, and the system has now been operational for about two months,” Wong said.
He added that despite several downpours in recent weeks, no flooding or mud accumulation had been reported, showing that the new drainage system was working well.
To prevent water from flowing back into the area, Wong said a flap gate system had also been installed at the outlet leading to Sungai Dondang.
“The flap gate allows water to flow out but prevents backflow when river levels rise,” he said, adding that this ensures the area remains protected even during high tide or heavy rainfall.
Wong expressed his satisfaction that this development marks significant progress for Paya Terubong residents, who have endured flash floods for decades.
However, Wong noted that while the system has proven effective, some other minor finishing works are still ongoing to improve water flow.
As for the progress of the construction of Bandar Baru Air Itam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway (Package Two) bypass project, Wong mentioned it has now achieved 86% progress, with the remaining tasks mainly involving final road surfacing and safety railings.
Also present were Penang Infrastructure Corporation project director Sarimah Ahmad and Consortium Zenith Construction (CZC)) senior project manager Chong Cheong Leong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting