RM4.25mil project to ease flash floods in Kampung Pokok Asam
GEORGE TOWN: A RM4.25 million flood mitigation project at Parit Monsun, Kampung Pokok Asam is expected to improve drainage capacity and reduce flash floods.
On July 26, 2024, a RM4.25 million flood mitigation project at Parit Monsun, Kampung Pokok Asam began, aiming to enhance drainage capacity and decrease flash floods. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow highlighted the project's importance in addressing flooding in the low-lying region, which frequently experiences excess water during heavy rain.
Despite floods affecting fewer than 20 houses each time, mitigation measures were deemed necessary to protect residents and reduce disruptions. The project, nearing completion by October, includes a pump house with two screw pumps (1.0 cubic metre per second capacity each), a monsoon drain diversion, a new culvert, and related infrastructure.
Screw pumps were selected over submersible pumps due to their suitability in the area and reduced rubbish-related pump disruptions. The monsoon drain diversion, measuring 12m in length and 3m by 3.6m in size, connects the existing drain to the screw pumps, while a 15m-long culvert (750mm by 750mm) completes the infrastructure. Chow, also a Padang Kota assemblyman, emphasized the project's role in improving drainage capacity and reducing flood risks in vulnerable areas, as part of the state government's collaboration with the Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department.
Kampung Pokok Asam had been identified as a flood hotspot, with annual flash floods requiring mobile pumps during heavy rain and high tides. Rapid development has altered surface water flows, and the existing drainage system is inadequate for higher water volumes.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
