UPGRADE works for flood mitigation on a 1km stretch of Sungai Kayu Ara in Petaling Jaya have finally been completed.
The project, which began in 2022, was carried out by Petaling Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) at a cost of RM6.44mil, funded by Selangor government.
“The project was initiated to address serious flooding in Kampung Cempaka that sometimes trapped villagers in their houses.
“With the widened Sungai Kayu Ara, there will no longer be serious flooding,” said Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She was speaking at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site, attended by Petaling DID district engineer Mohd Shahril Mohd, Kampung Cempaka village head Theresa Lim and area councillor John Leong.
The upgrade included slope strengthening, building a retaining wall, a river outlet and a water catchment pond near Lily Apartments.
Jamaliah said another stretch of the river was also undergoing upgrade works costing RM16mil, but this was a project by the Federal Government.
“The project is at its initial stage with 10% completion. It will be completed in 2026,” she said.
Expounding on the Federal project, Lim said once completed, it would feature a jogging track.
She expressed hope that joggers would refrain from littering and would look out for the cleanliness of the river.
“My family has lived in Kampung Cempaka for 40 years, and the river has been part of our surroundings.
“We had clear rivers in the past with several types of fish and even prawns.
“Over the years, the water quality deteriorated, but with the river upgrade works, it is gradually improving,” said Lim.
She said a non-governmental organisation (NGO) had expressed interest in helping improve biodiversity of the river area.
“Once the entire river upgrade project is completed in 2026, the NGO has said they plan to create floating islands with vegetation that can help with water quality and attract marine life,” she said.
