By Aida Aziz
IPOH: Every time heavy rain falls, residents of Lebuh Hillview and Persiaran Hillview in Taman Hillview are gripped with anxiety, knowing their homes will almost certainly be flooded.
The problem has haunted the community for nearly 30 years, as the area is low lying and the existing drains can no longer cope with the high volume of rainfall.
However, an upgrading project for the drainage system to mitigate flash floods has finally brought relief to more than 20 houses in the area.
According to Simpang Pulai State Assemblywoman, Wong Chai Yi, the project was approved with an allocation of RM240,000.
“This upgrading work involves enlarging and repairing the structure of the main drain, as well as constructing additional channels.
“It is aimed at ensuring smoother flow of rainwater so that it does not spill over into the nearby residential area,” she said.
She added that the project was carried out through the joint efforts of the Ipoh City Council (MBI) to address the recurring flash flood issue.
Expected to be completed by mid-January, the project is set to reduce flood risks while enhancing safety for the local community.
According to an MBI representative, the area already has a drainage system, but over the years, the population and volume of water have increased, resulting in flash floods.
Therefore, the existing drains will remain, but a pipe culvert or underground drain needs to be added along a 240 metre stretch.
This will allow water to flow through an alternative underground route besides the surface drain, thereby reducing the risk of flooding.
Resident J. Chandran, 62, said he has lived there since 1998 and has grown accustomed to the recurring flash floods.
“It has always flooded here. When it rains heavily, it doesn’t take long. Within less than half an hour, water enters the house and damages our belongings.
“Thank you to the Simpang Pulai Assemblywoman and the Council members for acting quickly. In these 30 years, they are among the few who have truly resolved this issue,” he said.
Laily Kassim, 78, also expressed relief over the flood-mitigation project as she now lives alone.
“My children all work in Kuala Lumpur. Every time there is heavy rain, the house here gets flooded, and it worries me.
“When it floods, I can’t clean the house myself because of my health. Usually, I hire someone to do it,” she said.
