Residents of Lorong Selera in Taman Bukit Indah can finally heave a sigh of relief after Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) demolished and rebuilt a public drain that was illegally covered up with cement.
The restoration ends years of stagnant water, rubbish accumulation and persistent dengue fears.
The new drain is now fully covered with reinforced concrete slabs and fitted with cast iron covers to prevent future obstructions and ensure smooth water flow.
A DBKL spokesperson said the redesign aimed to improve safety and hygiene while enhancing the area’s appearance.
“The drain is constructed using reinforced concrete for durability and strength.
“The cast iron covers are specifically intended to prevent accidents, reduce mosquito breeding and keep rubbish from entering the system,” he said.
He elaborated that the project also included a broom-finish pedestrian walkway.
“The textured surface provides better grip and reduces the risk of slipping, especially during rainy weather, making it suitable for residential and school zones,” he added.
For resident Chey Kit Sang, the restoration was long overdue.
He said the previously covered section had turned into an illegal dumping site.
“When part of the drain was covered, water could not flow properly.
“One end became stagnant and it turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he said.
Another resident Lilian Sin, whose house sits closest to the drain, said her family has been severely affected by the poor infrastructure.
“Several members of my family have had dengue; one of my daughters contracted it three times over the years.
“We were very worried because the stagnant water near our home was a concern.
“Now we can take our dogs for evening walks without fear.”
Resident A. Susiela Devi echoed these sentiments, noting that the neighbourhood has lived with anxiety for years.
“Aedes mosquitoes need only about three days to breed. When the drain was blocked, the water would just sit there,” she said.
The push for repairs was led by Seputeh People’s Representative Council (MPPWP) Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok as the area was identified as a dengue hotspot.
“Public infrastructure is not private property,” Alvin said.
“When residents block or alter drains for parking or for other purposes, they put the entire neighbourhood at risk.”
StarMetro previously reported that a section of the drain had been cemented over 20 years ago to create parking spaces for five vehicles.
During a site visit last year, former DBKL Seputeh branch manager Wan Noorzuliana Wan Hussin said those responsible could not be traced due to the passage of time.
She added that restoring the drain required a lengthy approval process and costs to coordinate works involving several departments, including Health and Environment, the Drainage and Public Works, and Infrastructure Planning besides Alam Flora.
