RM2.5 million to repair Penang drainage system
GEORGE TOWN: The state government has approved a proposal to implement 33 emergency projects to repair the damaged drainage system in Penang.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the projects, mooted by state Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow, will cost the state RM2.5 million.
Lim said the state exco had also endorsed the proposal by him to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and developers to mitigate the landslide at Taman Setia Green in Sungai Ara, Greenlane Park in Solok Tembaga, the Seri Delima and Kayangan Puri Mutiara Condominium in Medan Fettes Tanjung Bungah at a cost of about RM2 million.
“The state government has also approved a two-pronged approach to resolve flood issues. The first is by completing the RM405 million flood mitigation project.
“The second is by urging the federal government to complete outstanding flood mitigation projects estimated at RM1.4 billion,” he said during a press conference at Komtar.
Lim also questioned why only RM300 million had been spent on flood mitigation projects.
He said no amount of flood mitigation plans (RTB), including the one in Sungai Pinang, could prevent floods, especially during heavy rain.
“With the completion of the Sungai Pinang RTB, it can reduce the impact of flash floods in future. Hence, the federal government must immediately start the project.”
Earlier, Lim announced that a one-off payment of RM400 each will be paid to those affected by the massive floods that hit Penang last week.
The payment is assistance for families or building owners who had their property or vehicles damaged by the flooding.
The decision on the one-off payment was made at the state executive council meeting.
Lim added the payment would be handled by state assemblymen, councillors and the Village Security and Development Committees.