After almost 20 years, the Sungai Pinang flood mitigation project will finally see the light of day with the confirmation of federal government allocations, says DAP Dato Keramat assemblyperson Jagdeep Singh Deo.

At a press conference in Komtar today, Jagdeep told reporters that the last project under the BN state government ended in 1999, and there has been no follow-up or continuation since, despite Dato Keramat and other hot spots in Penang being inundated with floods several times a year.

He said the state government had taken several measures to deal with flash floods in Dato Keramat, including the relocation of residents, and the clearing of debris and structures from the river so that a flood mitigation project could be implemented.

"We have done our part but nothing was done by the (then) federal government," he said.

Jagdeep was highlighting the issue of flash floods in Penang on Monday, where several areas – especially in Dato Keramat – were flooded, paralysing traffic and resulting in several families being evacuated to safer grounds.

A major flood in November last year resulted in seven deaths and thousands displaced, but although then-prime minister Najib Abdul Razak had said he would seriously consider the RM1 billion for flood mitigation projects still unreleased under the previous five-year Malaysia Development Plans, the funds were not forthcoming.

At the time, then-natural resources and environment minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (photo) had said RM150 million had been allocated to Penang to implement the flood mitigation project in Sungai Pinang.

However, Jagdeep claimed that Junaidi had been "slow” and “there was no development or physical work started.”

"But now I'm happy as three days earlier, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said in his speech at the launch of our Jelutong service centre that RM150 million has been committed to the project.

"The only issue is the contractor for the project was appointed based on direct negotiation and not open tender.

"Now the current federal government will appoint a contractor based on an open tender, I have no problem with that, at least the government is committed to the project," he noted.

Jagdeep said the project is slated to begin early next year, adding, "All I ask is that it be hastened".

A long-term project

Meanwhile, Jagdeep said flood mitigation is a long-term project which costs billions.

He said that Penang has carried out many initiatives to resolve the problem. In Dato Keramat alone, he explained, 35 short- and mid-term projects were underway including desilting and dredging of the river bed.

However, long-term projects, like the deepening and widening of Sungai Pinang, and the building of a tidal gate at the river mouth to trap the inflow of water during high tide, needs to be done urgently, he added.

"Floods happen when there is heavy downpour and high tide."

Jagdeep also thanked the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for its emergency response team, which cleans up areas where flash floods happen in Penang.

He said the total overall cost for the flood mitigation project in Sungai Pinang alone is RM600 million.

RM300 million is needed for the rehabilitation of water quality, he noted, but said that is secondary.

"There are many other mega-projects which have been promised in Penang, for example, the light rail transit system and the expansion of the Penang International Airport.

"But the finance minister had committed RM150 million for floods. In that perspective, I am very happy he has reserved the funds for it. And so I thank him for understanding our plight," he quipped.

Also present at the press conference was MBPP mayor Yew Tung Siang and MBPP environmental, health and licensing director Dr Judy Shoba Robert.