SHAH ALAM: Five major flood mitigation projects worth RM2.52bil are set to take off in Selangor pending the completion of their design by contractors and approvals from the authorities.
State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim said these projects, funded by the Federal Government, are currently in the design stage, which could take between six and 12 months.
“The tenders were awarded via direct negotiations under the design and construct concept, which means the contractors are also responsible for the project designs.
“The designs will be submitted to the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) for review and approval,” he said.
Speaking during a press briefing at the state secretariat building, Izham said Selangor also requested DID to beef up its workforce.
“We have yet to receive a response but we hope it can be expedited to ensure these projects are completed on time,” he said.
Izham also said 41 flood mitigation projects funded by the state government are in progress.
These projects, costing RM482mil, were awarded via open tenders, according to the exco member.
He, however, highlighted that nine of these projects are classified as “sick projects” and currently being monitored.
Izham said some of the sick projects were abandoned, while others had experienced delays and were too far behind schedule.“We will give the contractors two weeks to resume work, otherwise their service will be terminated,” he added.
Selangor, he said, had asked the Federal Government to terminate the service of a contractor in charge of the RM34mil Sungai Buloh flood retention pond (phase one) project.
“This federal project has been delayed for too long despite reminders to the contractor.
“We have also asked the Prime Minister’s Department to blacklist the contractor from future projects,” he added.
Izham also said a meeting was held involving DID, local councils and land and district offices to discuss flood preparations ahead of the monsoon season expected to start next month.
“DID has been told to ensure that retention ponds and pumps are properly maintained while local councils must ensure the drains are cleaned,” he said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has forecast that the monsoon – expected to last until March – will bring about four to six episodes of heavy rainfall.
