RM98mil for flood mitigation in KL next year

Huge amounts of floating rubbish have accumulated in flood mitigation assets under the Kuala Lumpur Drainage and Irrigation Department following the floods on Dec 18.

KUALA Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has set aside RM97.9mil for flood mitigation efforts and maintenance of related assets next year.

Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said the amount also covered four upgrading projects of the drainage system in the city.

“We have allocated RM11mil for a drainage upgrade near the Sungai Besi LRT, costing RM11mil.

“We have also set aside RM8mil for a flood mitigation project in Taman Botani Perdana,” he said.

Meanwhile, RM4mil was allocated for projects in Kampung Periuk, which is located in Kampung Baru, while RM2mil was set aside for projects in Taman Desa Aman and Taman Mutiara Barat, both in Cheras.

Mahadi elaborated that these were some of the 22 projects DBKL had planned for next year.

The mayor said this during the unveiling of DBKL’s Budget 2022 at Menara DBKL 1 in Jalan Raja Laut.

Mahadi said DBKL would step up measures to mitigate flash floods next year.

These would include regular clearing of rubbish found at floating booms, gross pollutant traps and trash screens fitted in waterways.

“Works to dig up sludge at main drainage systems and deepening of water retention ponds will also be carried out.

“We will also continue maintenance of pump stations and ensure regular cleaning of underground pipes,” he added.

Separately, the mayor announced the construction of two DBKL housing projects in 2022 – estimated to cost about RM388mil – comprising over 2,000 units.

He also said that RM70mil had been set aside to acquire 5,000 closed-circuit television cameras for traffic monitoring. — By FARID WAHAB