Several roads in Kuala Lumpur, including Jalan Raja, were flooded on April 25. — Filepic
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will find out next year if it can proceed with plans to build underground water storage as a flood mitigation measure in the capital.
Mayor Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah said a consultant had been appointed to look into its feasibility as well as identify suitable locations for such facilities.
“We expect the findings of the study to be revealed within five months.
“Several technical factors need to be looked into such as gravity and topography of the areas involved.
“Ideally, the storage facilities need to be placed in low-lying areas to ensure easy water flow during downpours,” he said at the DBKL media appreciation night.
He added that DBKL had discussed the implementation of underground storage with Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike during her recent visit.
Mahadi explained that DBKL sought to learn from Japan’s capital, which already had such a system in place.
Additionally, he said DBKL had ordered Alam Flora Sdn Bhd to step up checks on the capital’s drainage and clear any obstructions.
“They must ensure there are no rubbish and dry leaves clogging up drains.
“Once an area has been inspected, Alam Flora must inform DBKL that the task has been completed,” he said when asked about DBKL’s preparations for the rainy season.
On June 3, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim was reported as saying that DBKL had plans to build underground water storage facilities.
He noted that the proposal, which involved cooperation with the Drainage and Irrigation Department, would take between three and five years to complete.
DBKL came under fire from the public in recent months because of flash floods in Kuala Lumpur.
Heavy rain on March 7 and April 25 caused several major roads to be inundated, bringing traffic to a standstill during peak hours.
