Rubbish is one of the factors for flash floods in Seberang Prai

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Rubbish clogging up the drainage system is one of the factors for flash floods in Seberang Prai, says Seberang Prai Municipal Council president Datuk Maimunah Mohd Sharif.
She said the rains and the king tide phenomenon (unusually high tides) were also to blame but litter choking the drains contributed to the problem in low-lying areas.
She said the extant of the problem could be seen when council workers on Nov 20 had to remove 39.9 tonnes of rubbish from drains in the municipality which is one of the largest in Malaysia.
She urged residents not to treat the drains like their personal rubbish bins as obstructing the drainage system affected others too.
“I hope people can be more responsible to prevent flash floods from happening,” she said after chairing the council full-board meeting today.
On flood mitigation measures, Maimunah said the council constructed a RM354,000 tidal gate in Taman Bagan in June while several water pumps have been ordered from England.
She said the council has conducted studies on flooding issues in Taman Bunga Raya and Taman Melor while the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has also studied the problem facing Taman Cantek, Kampung Banggali, Sungai Puyu, Taman Siakap and Kampung Permatang Rawa.
“The Public Works Department (JKR) has also planned to upgrade roads and drainage systems in Jalan Permatang Pauh and pumps at Taman Siakap and Taman Senangin,” she added.
On a separate matter, Maimunah said all properties in the municipality will enjoy a 6% rebate on assessment rates for 2017 which will cost the council an estimated RM9,907,892 but the rate cut did not include unpaid amounts.
She said those staying in villages, low-cost and low-medium housing were exempted from paying assessment for next year which will cost the council an estimated RM6,035,077.
She added those who have settled their 2017 assessment were eligible for a lucky draw where prizes include mountain bikes, televisions, tablet computers and other electrical items.