KULAI: Residents in Taman Seri Muhibbah are upset over the poor drainage works carried out by the contractor appointed by Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) here.

The poor drainage work has caused flash floods for over 10 years, leading to the residents sufferring losses and difficulties, especially those living at Jalan Bunga Kertas 8.

Housewife Rosnah Md Yunos, 48, who has been living in the area for about nine years, has spent some RM50,000 on repair works at her house.

“Just recently, the contractor came and did some cleaning works but they just picked up the rubbish and cut the grass but did not clear the clogged drain,” she said.

She told reporters this when met during a meeting held by Bukit Batu assemblyman Jimmy Phua Wee Tse at Jalan Bunga Kertas 8.

Her neighbour Lai Chow Wing, 70, who bought the house some 24 years ago, said in the early days the drain was flowing and people did not throw their rubbish indiscriminately.

“Now the drain is smelly, filled with rubbish such as food containers, plastic items and many others, resulting in it becoming clogged.

“The workers also only come to clean the area and drain once in a while.

“The flash floods occur even after only about 15 to 20 minutes of heavy rain,” he added.

S. Sivakumar, 47, who moved in two years ago said he was disappointed over the situation as he had to spend over RM3,500 to buy a new fridge and furniture after the old ones were damaged during a flash flood.

“I hope that MPKu could monitor this area more often. Instead of cleaning the drain once a year, I think they should do this twice a year or every six months to help prevent flash floods,” he added.

Meanwhile, Phua said he has lodged a complaint with the council over the problem.

“The MPKu spokesperson said they will ask the contractor to finish the work properly and will not issue any payment until it was completed,” he said.

When contacted, MPKu public relations officer Mohd Halim Ridhauddin denied that their contractor only cleaned the drain once a year.

“We ensure work is carried out from time to time.

He also urged the public not to dump rubbish into the drain and to keep the area clean.