Residents concerned over future developments impacting the water body’s existence, capacity
RESIDENTS in Puchong, Selangor, are worried a RM6.5mil flood mitigation project to divert rainwater into a local lake will be compromised by future property developments.
The water body, sited in Bandar Puchong Jaya of Puchong, will receive rainwater diverted under the flood mitigation project along the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).
Pusat Bandar Puchong Residents Association (RA) deputy chairman Awies Ung said residents attended meetings at the highway concessionaire’s office in May and June over traffic congestion in the area.
During the meetings, they were shown a map identifying several proposed development sites around the lake.
Ung questioned whether the lake would remain if development took place around it.
“If water from the flood mitigation project is being directed there, we need to know whether there will still be a lake and whether it will have enough capacity years later,” he said during a press conference at the junction of Persiaran Puchong Jaya Selatan and Jalan Layang-Layang 1, Bandar Puchong Jaya.
Taman Puchong Legenda RA chairman Laurence Liong said the lake and surrounding area appeared to be zoned for mixed development in the Draft Subang Jaya Local Plan 2035 (Amendment 1).
“If the area is developed, will the lake be large enough to take in diverted rainwater?
“Our neighbourhood is located beside the lake, so we are concerned about the long-term impact.”
Liong said residents welcomed flood mitigation works but wanted to know whether the RM6.5mil allocation covered repairs and maintenance of damaged drains along Jalan Layang-Layang 1, near Binary University.
Taman Kinrara Batu 7½ RA chairman Alvin Lee said parts of the drains were damaged or obstructed by soil, vegetation and debris.
He pointed out tree trunks lodged in the drains, which could restrict water flow.
“Does the RM6.5mil include repairing and maintaining these drains, or is it only for the new infrastructure?”
Lee said upgrading one section would be ineffective if the connecting drainage route remained damaged or blocked.
He also called for regular inspections and maintenance.
The residents groups want Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) to disclose the project specifications, maintenance arrangements, discharge routes and proposed final size and capacity of the lake.
When contacted, MBSJ said the project was implemented to address long-standing flash floods along the LDP and the mall’s parking area during heavy rain.
“Based on the design by the appointed consultant, part of the water flow from the upstream development area will be diverted to the lake before being released in a controlled manner to Sungai Klang,” said the city council in a statement to StarMetro.
MBSJ said the scope included preliminary works, site clearing and earthworks, construction of the main drainage system, installation of box culverts and reinforced concrete sumps.
“It also involves road resurfacing at Jalan Merbah 1, the LDP and IOI Business Park, pipe-jacking works and utility diversion works involving various agencies.”
MBSJ confirmed that the area had been zoned for mixed development under the Subang Jaya Local Plan 2035.
It said the flood mitigation project would ensure drainage and water-flow functions were maintained and operated effectively to reduce flood risks.
It added that all development proposals and infrastructure projects must comply with existing laws, planning policies and technical requirements set by the relevant agencies.
MBSJ Zone 3 councillor Lee Jen Uyin said any future development proposal involving the area would be submitted to Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) for review.
StarMetro reported on Jan 16 that the project was 99% complete, while an IOI Mall Puchong social media update in February confirmed that the flood mitigation project had since been completed.
