A TOTAL of RM20 million will be disbursed by the Federal Government for the Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project this year, state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo says.
This, he said, will be part of the RM150 million allocation that was approved by the Federal Government under the first rolling plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).
Jagdeep added that it would be a huge boost to further expedite the physical works which are expected to begin in June this year.
The entire project is said to cost RM600 million.
“Flood issues have been alarming not only in Malaysia, but many countries across the globe. It is really sad to witness casualties, people suffering bad injuries and collapsed homes.
“Here in Penang, the state government will continue to do its best for the people, especially battling the flood issues and putting an end to it as soon as possible,” Jagdeep said during a press conference in Taman Free School today.
He also thanked them for their efforts in assisting the state in its battle against flood issues.
Earlier, he had said that Phase One of the flood mitigation project would take about four years to complete.
The Phase One involves two rivers, namely Sungai Pinang and Sungai Jelutong while the physical works would deal with the Sungai Pinang improvement, river corridor improvement as well as the beautification and upgrading of a pedestrian bridge.
The Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project also includes transition between Sungai Air Itam and Sungai Air Terjun, Sungai Jelutong flood wall, new Jelutong diversion at Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim and Jalan Ahmad Nor, and other mechanical and electrical associated works.
Jagdeep said 82 projects of various types, which include flood-related projects, had been executed by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at a cost of RM81 million.
Meanwhile, MBPP secretary A. Rajendran said the project to upgrade the drainage system and raise the road level at Jalan P. Ramlee is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
The project, which started in August 2020, costs MBPP a total of RM3.62 million.
He also said for this year, MBPP had already allocated RM1 million to tackle flood issues in two areas, namely the intersection off Jalan Terengganu and at Little India.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal