THE newly-completed Parit 4 flood mitigation project in Bukit Tengah and Taman Desa Damai would be able to rectify flood problems in their areas, according to state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Zairil said the project, which was among the eight high impact flood mitigation projects carried out by the state government, was aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in the residential, commercial and industrial areas along 4.7km of Parit 4.
“We are pleased to inform that the implementation of this project has resulted in the reduction of floods in the neighbourhood by 97.85%, which is from 5.22 km2 to 0.11 km2.
“This project also helps to ease the burden of Sungai Juru (4.3km) borrow pit,’’ said Zairil during a site visit to the project area at Jalan Perusahaan Perai on May 8.
Zairil added that the flood mitigation project (Parit 4) would also help to tackle the flood woes at hotspot areas in the residential areas in Taman Desa Damai, Taman Belimbing, Taman Jambu Madu and Taman Jambu Mawar as well as Kampong Dock and Kampong Tok Keramat.
“The commercial centers and industrial sectors around Bukit Tengah have also benefited from this flood mitigation project.
“The project is designed at a flood protection level of 20 average recurrence interval (ARI) at a cost of RM16 million which also included the cost of design consultant, survey work services, land investigation services and the physical construction cost.
The project, which began on March 16, 2018 was fully completed on March 31, 2021 by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
“Congratulations to the Penang DID for successfully completing the mega project and my heartfelt thanks to all the government agencies for their cooperation and assistance in making this project a success,” Zairil said.
The project involved the construction of a new pump house with a capacity of 13.2m3/s, installation of three screw pump and five bays, construction of utility and operation room for central Seberang Perai district Penang DID, construction of TNB sub-station, guardhouse and provision of electrical and mechanical equipment.
The project also involved work pertaining to the flood mitigation structure, strengthening of the Parit 4 and maintenance of roads surrounding it.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of YB Zairil’s office