WHENEVER there is a downpour in Taman Meru in Klang, its poorly designed drainage network fails to cope, resulting in drains overflowing.
Often, surface runoff backflows into driveways of houses at Jalan Prai 3, Taman Meru off Jalan Meru, causing residents’ significant stress.
Despite numerous public complaints to Klang Royal City Council (MBDK), the flooding issue still persists.
Resident Patrick Thomas, 57, who has lived in the area for 33 years, said the badly designed infrastructure caused surface runoff to flow from the residential drain along Jalan Prai 3 into Leboh Prai.
“When there’s heavy rain, water overflows from the drains and end up in the driveway of our homes,” he said, adding that the ankle-deep water, however, has never entered their homes.
“Persistent flooding of our driveways is a nuisance. It is also a threat to those with pets,” he said.
Patrick, who worked in a travel agency, added that he has raised concerns on the flooding to the authorities since mid-1995 and the latest on Feb 15 this year.
However, the flooding still persists.
Resident T. Brigid, 66, said the drains were unable to handle the volume of water.
“Cleaning up each time after a flood is physically and mentally exhausting, particularly when thick silt and mud accumulate in the driveway,” she said, adding that she had to get rid of the mud fast as it would be more difficult to clean if it dried up.
Brigid added that even if it rained in the wee hours of the morning, immediate cleaning was needed to prevent long-term damage like mould on the walls.
Fruit trader Chen Man Lee, 65, a Taman Meru resident, said the authorities should widen the drains along Jalan Prai 3 and Leboh Prai to address the flooding.
“Floods are happening because part of the existing drain is narrow,” he said.
MBDK Engineering Department director Mohd Zaidi Zainal said on-site inspections would be carried out to determine the cause of flooding.
“Upgrading of the drainage system will be carried out if deemed necessary based on the findings.
“A study will be carried out first before any physical work is carried out on site,” he added. — By EDWARD RAJENDRA
