THE state government is using two approaches to ensure the effectiveness of flood mitigation projects especially in villages that do not have a systematic drainage system, says state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Zairil (PH-Tanjong Bungah) was replying to a question raised by Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Khoon during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today on how flooding issues are dealt in the villages without a proper drainage system.
“The first method is through the implementation of large-scale flood mitigation projects, such as the Parit 4 Flood Mitigation Project.
“It has indirectly helped to mitigate the flooding woes at the Kampung Dock and Kampung Nenas in the Parit 4 Basin as well as the Sungai Juru (4.3km) borrow pit.
“Another mitigation project in the Mak Mandin neighbourhood has also helped to reduce the risk of flooding in the residential area with the old drainage system,’’ said Zairil.
According to Zairil, the second method involved upgrading works of earth drainage system to a more systematic drainage system by the District and Land offices at their respective districts.
“Several small-scale projects were implemented to rectify problems concerning drainage flow using the allocation from the ‘Caruman Pemaritan Negeri Pulau Pinang’ in year 2020,”said Zairil.
Zairil also said the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has purchased three movable pumps using the allocation from the ‘Caruman Pemaritan Negeri Pulau Pinang’ in year 2020.
“An additional of two movable pumps will be bought this year to equip each district with one movable pump.
“The existing 12 movable pumps, which are on a standby, will be used simultaneously should there be a need,’’ he said.
Zairil added that the planning and designs for flood mitigation projects would take into account the requirements of the Climate Change Factor (CCF) and its impact prior to project implementation.
Meanwhile, Zairil also said the Tanjung Berembang Bridge Project under the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had been fully completed and was open to public since May 1.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter