THE installation of a screw pump at the MBSP Taman Sentul Jaya pump house is set to be completed by the middle of next month.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the pump would be able to help mitigate floods in Taman Sentul Jaya and several areas in Bukit Minyak.
“The pump can assist in pumping flood water into Parit 5 quicker when the project is completed. This can help mitigate floods in Taman Sentul Jaya and several areas in Bukit Minyak.
“Nevertheless, it is important to note that every project has its capacity limit. Therefore, we use the term mitigate floods and not eradicate floods.
“Floods can still occur if something happens beyond the capacity.
“Flood mitigation projects are being implemented to reduce and mitigate flood risk,” he said after inspecting the MBSP Taman Sentul Jaya pump house today.
Commenting about the recent flash floods which hit several areas in Bukit Mertajam, Chow said the river backflow was among the reasons for the flash floods.
“We understand that existing pumps in Taman Mangga and another pump to help pump flood water into Sungai Juru were functioning well during the flash floods.
“But because the main rivers were already flooded, river backflow happened, and several hotspots were flooded. Those pumps were not able to prevent water from re-entering the drainage system and caused floods,” he said.
Chow said the state government could not make promises beyond its means.
“We are in no position to control the weather. Yes, we can build more pump houses or install pumps, but they also have their capacity limit. Hence, it is important to note that flood mitigation projects are meant to mitigate flood risk.
“Nevertheless, we will continue to do our best for the people,” he added.
During his walkabout in Bukit Tengah today, Chow also inspected another pump house in Taman Mangga.
“It is important for a government to ensure that the facilities are sufficient to support the development in the area. We must keep abreast of the latest developments,” he said.
Also present was Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik.
Earlier in the morning, Chow, Goh, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillors, and representatives of government agencies visited Taman Bayu Mutiara.
The Ang Sang King charity clinic (Pusat Klinik Kebajikan Ang Sang King) is set to open in less than two months.
Bukit Tengah Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Tan Gee Huat said the charity clinic was closed in 2020, just after the Chinese New Year celebration that year.
“The temple committee has planned to reopen the clinic on Feb 10 next year.
“Every Friday night, the clinic has been providing free consultation and medical services to the underprivileged and needy community,” he said.
Tan also proposed to Chow to set up a skate park at Taman Bayu Mutiara to promote more family-friendly activities there.
Story by Christopher Tan and Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En and Law Suun Ting