Cleaning, new drain to clear flood issue in Kepong

Yee showing the clogged drain on Jalan 3/16e in Taman Nanyang during a site visit with the authorities. — Photos: LOW BOON TAT/ The Star

SOLUTIONS have been identified for a drain in a Kepong neighbourhood that has failed to channel water into a nearby flood retention pond.

Resident Chai Kuen Yit, said the drain along Jalan 3/16e in Taman Nanyang had been unable to channel water properly during heavy rain, causing water to overflow onto the street in the past two to three years.

“Every time there is heavy rain, Jalan 3/16e will be flooded.

“The overflowing water from the drain also carries a foul odour,” he said.

Resident Maheswari Raman said the floods affected access to her house, which was lower than others on the same street.

“I can’t even get out of my car if I return home during a flood.

Poh Yoke: Area flooded twice at end-March.

“When the water flows out from the drain opposite my house, it brings a lot of sediment and rubbish,” she added.

Resident Chai Poh Yoke said only one side of the drain neighbouring Jalan 2/16e, adjacent to Jalan 3/16e, was clogged.

“During heavy rain, water would flow over to the opposite drain neighbouring Jalan 4/16e before it is channelled to the retention pond.

“However, the drain neighbouring Jalan 4/16e doesn’t have enough capacity to carry so much water during heavy rain, leading to floods,” she said, adding that it had flooded twice at the end of March.

Community activist Yee Poh Ping visited the site together with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) and Alam Flora Sdn Bhd personnel.

He said the retention pond’s inlet was found to be damaged and DID repaired it at the end of last year, but the problem persisted.

Maheswari says floods affect access to her house.

“Alam Flora had thoroughly cleaned the drain of sediments and rubbish two months ago, but the problem was not resolved.”

Following the site visit, Yee said the authorities found the pond’s inlet clogged by fats, oils and grease, believed to be originating from nearby restaurants.

“The authorities will inspect the restaurants and issue them warnings if necessary,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alam Flora will clean the drain.

“A new drain will be built to connect the drain neighbouring Jalan 2/16e to the drain neighbouring Jalan 4/16e, so that the water has one extra path to flow into the retention pond.

“Construction works are expected to begin in two weeks,” said Yee.