KUALA LUMPUR – Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng called the government’s proposal to build a mega tunnel to mitigate floods here an “empty promise”.
The DAP man said the government before this had pledged a multitude of solutions which have remained nothing more than mere suggestions “under study”.
“Not only that, the mega tunnel project will also take up to three to five years to complete,” he said in a statement shared with the Vibes’ sister portal Getaran.
Lim was commenting on the recent announcement by Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Irrigation and Drainage Department to build a high-capacity groundwater storage tunnel to overcome flash floods in the capital.
He said relevant stakeholders such as city residents and Kuala Lumpur MPs were not consulted on the mega tunnel project prior to its announcement.
Lim suggested a town hall meeting must be held with Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim on the matter.
“Such platforms are crucial as they not only identify issues stemming from the flood but other related issues as well.
“I also urge the ministry to declare the budget for the project and whether it will be carried out through an open tender process.
“This culture of formulating plans from an air-conditioned room must be stopped. Please take action and engage yourself in the situation.”
He added that several individuals and organisations have previously provided mitigating solutions, including not developing housing projects in areas designated as water retention ponds.
However that suggestion was put aside to make way for projects that seem to benefit a select few parties, claimed Lim.
https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/62350/dbkl-irrigation-dept-to-build-underground-tunnel-to-quell-flash-floods
Yesterday, Shahidan said the tunnel was one of the long-term solutions that will be implemented and would take three to five years to be completed. – The Vibes, June 4, 2022
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