Lim: Comprehensive flood mitigation project in the works for affected areas

BUTTERWORTH: A comprehensive flood mitigation project is expected to start by this year, said Penang Works, Utilities and Transportation Committee chairman Lim Hock Seng.
Lim, who is also Bagan Jermal assemblyman, said the related authority is currently drafting the plans for the project in order to cater to the flood problem in Taman Bagan, Taman Cantik and Mak Mandin.
He said the planning was expected to be completed by end of next month, and then they would call for an open tender for the project.
"We expect the project would be awarded by August.
"The construction work would be completed within two years," he told reporters after visiting a pump house next to Bagan Specialist Centre here today.
Lim was commenting on the flood problem in Taman Cantik and Taman Bagan following complaints by residents that they suffered floods three times in nine days.
Lim added the comprehensive flood mitigation, costing RM30 million, was a long term solution to resolve the flood issue, however, it some time was needed to carry out the project.
Therefore, he urged all affected residents to be patient as the state government was concerned about their welfare.
"At the same time, we also have come out a short term solution by building a tidal gate and two water pumps to temporarily cater to the flood problem.
"This short-term solution will help prevent those areas from being flooded if there is high tide or normal rain.
"However, it was heavy rain on March 28 as the capacity of the rain was 72mm for each hour which is considered nearly critical," he said.