A storm drain running under Persiaran Kewajipan in Subang Jaya, Selangor, may soon be widened to tackle recurring flash floods.
Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Zone 3 councillor EJ Christopher said parts of the road near USJ13 frequently faced ankle-deep flooding during heavy rain.
“I have suggested that MBSJ’s Engineering Department look into widening the underground drain to better handle higher volumes of water,” he said.
Rainwater from the drain flowed towards Jalan Mulia in USJ14 before discharging into Sungai Penaga, he said, and improved capacity could help mitigate flooding.
The proposal was still under discussion, he added, as MBSJ was assessing feasibility including the possible relocation of utilities and the presence of an LRT pillar along the road median.
Christopher said MBSJ had widened drains at the Persiaran Tujuan-Persiaran Kewajipan junction and along Jalan USJ9/5 and Jalan USJ13/5, with works completed in October last year.
“However, the upgraded drains that function as an on-site detention pond can only hold up to 750.6cu metres of rainwater.”
He said the area was the lowest point in Subang Jaya, causing water to accumulate and dissipate slowly as the terrain levels off towards USJ1 and USJ14.
“Ankle-deep water may not seem severe, but it disrupts traffic flow,” he said, while urging MBSJ to conduct regular inspections to ensure drains were desilted and free of rubbish.
USJ13 Residents Association and Rukun Tetangga chairman Kelvin Chew said residents in the 1,035-house neighbourhood hoped for a permanent solution.
“MBSJ has widened several stretches from USJ9 to USJ13, but some sections remain narrow,” said Chew. — By EDWARD RAJENDRA
