Dollah: Ensure flash floods do not occur

The Star 21/08/2001

DEVELOPERS of new housing and commercial projects must ensure neighbouring areas, including kampungs, are not subjected to flash floods whenever it rains, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. He said there have been many cases where the surrounding areas of new development projects were inundated because rain water flowed down from the project site.

"All new development areas in the country must take into consideration the effects of their development on the neighbouring areas.

"When land is being developed, soil is usually topped up to raise the ground level.

"But if there are inadequate plans for a proper drainage system, low-lying areas will end up being flooded because of rain water flowing down from the projects at higher ground," he said after launching the RM250mil South Bertam township project on Sunday.

Last week, Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director-general Datuk Keizrul Abdullah said many private developers were still sceptical in adopting the Stormwater Management Manual despite being approved by the Cabinet.

The manual, which was introduced in January, required developers to adopt a control at source approach on stormwater management by building retention ponds which could be used as lakes, to prevent rainwater from flowing into other housing areas.

Abdullah also noted that developers must make it a priority to provide adequate space for sports and recreational activities within their housing projects.

"Without such facilities, youths in the area may turn to other sources of entertainment, which may not be healthy and good for mental development," he added.