SHAH ALAM, Sept 21 - A retention pond costing approximately RM15 million planned by the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) is set to provide a long-term solution to recurring flash floods around Jalan Kolam Air Lama in Ampang Jaya.
Bukit Antarabangsa state assemblyman Mohd Kamri Kamaruddin said the project aims to slow down water flowing from hilly areas before channelling it into the drainage system in lower-lying areas.
“This is a long-term solution, what is important now is that we need a retention pond at the upper section to slow down the flow of water downstream.
“I was informed that the allocated budget is approximately RM15 million. The project is indeed in JPS' plans and has been approved, but work has yet to begin,” he told Media Selangor when contacted.
Kamri added that the flooding problem in the area has persisted for a long time, with several short-term measures, including drain widening works, having been implemented previously.
However, the situation became more serious following heavy rain yesterday, when nearly 30 premises, including homes and shop houses, were affected, compared with around 10 homes that are usually hit by floods.
“Yesterday’s incident was larger than usual. The amount of rainfall was extremely heavy, and it was not only this area that experienced flooding.
“In this area, there are also two water flows that converge, causing the drainage system to be unable to cope with the large volume of water,” he said.
Following the incident, Kamri inspected the affected area and met with residents, while also requesting the District and Land Office and the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) to provide manpower to assist with clean-up efforts.
He noted that much of the damage involved residents’ electrical appliances and vehicles, making it necessary to expedite clean-up works to help them return to their homes and premises.
“I have also asked the relevant parties to obtain complete data and for victims to lodge police reports so that we can assess what assistance can be provided,” Kamri said.
The assemblyman also secured equipment and manpower assistance from KDEB Waste Management to speed up clean-up operations in the affected area.
Meanwhile, utility pipes crossing the drains must be relocated to prevent rubbish and timber from becoming trapped and obstructing the flow of water.
He said that the maintenance of the drainage system also requires improvement to ensure the capacity of drains are not compromised by soil sediment and rubbish.
“I have also instructed MPAJ to carry out regular and scheduled cleaning of the monsoon drains in the area,” Kamri said.
In yesterday’s incident, water levels around Jalan Kolam Air Lama were reportedly waist-high in less than two minutes, causing several homes and premises to be inundated and resulting in property damage.