RAWANG, 28 Aug: The Gombak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), in collaboration with the Rawang Assemblywoman, is working towards overcoming the flood problem that frequently happens in the area, including the project to widen and deepen the river, which has been completed.
The Gombak DID Deputy Director, SV Kalaiselvam, said that the expansion and deepening of Sungai Gong is also to overcome the frequent flood problem that occurs in Rawang.
“We are satisfied because the project to widen and deepen this river could be completed earlier for fear that the prolonged rainy season that will take place would make the work difficult,” he said.
The three-kilometre project, which begins from the North-South Expressway to where Sungai Gong meets Sungai Kundang, which began on August 4, costs about RM60,000 and was completed in about two weeks.
As a result of the project, an additional depth of 0.5 metres and a width of 13 metres were completed.
Kalaiselvam said that this is a short-term solution for the flooding problem while waiting for the approval of RM5 million in provisions through the Drainage Contribution to build a flood catchment area of about eight acres, which is expected to begin early next year.
“The Land Office has approved this project and the area involved is in the process of being gazetted. We have also completed all the process involving the design and research while waiting to carry out this project fully next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Assemblywoman for Rawang, Gan Pei Nei, said that it can solve the flooding problem that frequently hits Rawang through this flood reservoir project.
“Over 40,000 residents of Rawang are affected by terrible flooding last year and I hope that this problem will not recur,” she said.
She hopes that all parties will be concerned about the cleanliness of the river and be involved in projects organised by the DID, such as the adopted river programme to curb river pollution.
“I also call on all residents and bodies involved to work together to ensure that the river in respective areas remains clean and free from any intrusion. Make the river as our collective asset,” she said.
Flash floods that hit the area of Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, on December 23, 2013, was deemed to be one of the worst to hit the area, which resulted in thousands of people being stranded and caused terrible congestion from Jalang Batu Arang to Aeon Rawang.
NS
