BY CHONG KAH YUAN
Assemblymen, DID and management body staff inspecting the retention pond behind Sri Impian Apartments in Bandar Baru Air Itam.
The state has identified the cause of the recent flash floods which hit Lebuhraya Thean Teik in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang.
“The area was hit by flash floods several times although Sungai Dondong nearby did not burst its banks,” said state Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow during a site visit.
“The strong water flow from the nearby hills during heavy rain was the cause of the floods.
“A retention pond behind Seri Impian Apartments in the area will be upgraded to slow down rainwater flow from the hills.”
Chow said the management body of the apartments – Bandar Baru Air Itam Management Sdn Bhd (BBAIM) – had been tasked to carry out the flood mitigation.
“Both the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and Penang Island City Council found that the retention pond was key to resolving the issue.
“It can help slow down the water flowing downstream,” he said.
DID northeast district engineer Zahid Zainal Abidin said the road drains were not designed to cater to the strong water flow from the hills.
Zahid said the retention pond would prevent water from being discharged too fast onto the roads.
“We have asked the management body to build a flood wall and close up several inlets around the pond to slow down the flow.
“We have also advised them to install a pipe to regulate the water,” he said.
BBAIM building maintenance manager P.J. Robert said they started excavation work on the pond more than a week ago.
“The project is expected to be completed in a month.
“A lot will depend on the weather,” he said, adding that the cost of the project had yet to be ascertained.
Also present were Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin, Air Itam assemblyman Wong Hon Wai and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh.
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