A CEMENTED section of a public drain created for added parking space in Lorong Selera, Taman Bukit Indah in Kuala Lumpur, will be demolished and restored to its original state, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“The culprits responsible for this have long disappeared and we have no way of identifying them,” said DBKL Seputeh branch manager Wan Noorzuliana Wan Hussin.
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“The cemented section of the drain, which can accommodate about five cars, was altered years ago.
“Such reckless action has put others at risk. The blocked section caused stagnant water and rubbish to accumulate.”
She said the drain containing stagnant water was not only a breeding ground for mosquitoes but was filled with rubbish too.
Wan Noorzuliana, who inspected the site with representatives from DBKL’s Health and Environment Department, Drainage and Public Works Department and Infrastructure Planning Department as well as Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, said it could take several months to obtain approval and restore the drain.
She added that the work involved would be costly.
DBKL Health and Environment Department director Dr Ummi Ahmad said keeping drains free of stagnant water and rubbish was a priority.
“The selfish actions of a few have resulted in extra work just for one drain, but residents’ safety and health are crucial,” she said.
Seputeh MP Teresa Kok’s assistant Alice Lan said residents had complained about blocked drains in the area.
“The area is a dengue hotspot, with several residents falling ill,” she said, adding that DBKL’s Health and Environment Department had carried out fogging activities in the area.
Lan said there were many cases of residents and businesses illegally obstructing public drains in front of their premises by cementing over them and placing flower pots, or for parking spaces.
“This is a violation of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974.
“People need to understand that anything outside their house gate belongs to the city and is off-limits to renovations or alterations.
“Please report to DBKL if anyone alters the drains or other city assets,” she added.
Taman Bukit Indah resident CS Tan said, “My wife contracted dengue. Upon checking, I found that drains near our home were clogged.
“It turns out some irresponsible people covered up the drains to create parking spaces. Their actions have put the neighbourhood at risk.”
A. Susiela Devi, another resident, said: “We have been dealing with stagnant water and mosquito problems for years, but we didn’t realise the extent of the issue until we learnt that the drains had been cemented over for parking.
“It is frustrating because actions like these endanger people’s health and safety.”
Seputeh Residents Representative Council chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam criticised the sheer waste of public funds, blaming selfish folk for creating the problem of blocked drains.
“Because of a few selfish individuals, DBKL now has to spend money to repair and restore the drain.
“It is unacceptable that public money, which could have been spent to improve infrastructure, is being spent to undo damage caused by irresponsible people,” he said. — By BAVANI M
