Second SMART Tunnel in KL possible for flood mitigation: mayor

KUALA LUMPUR – The possibility of a second SMART Tunnel being built here to mitigate flash floods in the Klang Valley area may be under consideration as mayor Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah did not rubbish such rumours.

In fact, he told reporters at a World Environment Day event in Taman Tugu here today that discussions on the initiatives have been held between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

He said detailed studies are still underway on the need for another tunnel to direct water out of the city centre during a downpour.

“The proposal is an option to identify the best approach to overcome floods. While the studies are our own initiative, matters must be discussed internally because we need to submit the right scope of work to the consultant,” he was quoted as saying by Getaran, The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister portal.

Noting that a consultant has yet to be appointed, he said that DBKL is prioritising the matter and hopes to appoint one once discussions with the DID have concluded.

Mahadi said that feasibility studies conducted by DBKL to analyse the proper location and specifications of the underground rainwater storage tunnel and reservoir ponds should be completed within three months.

“The current SMART Tunnel initiative is more for bringing water stored to the big lake in Taman Desa and the space is also shared with road users and their vehicles.

“We want to find a more permanent solution as the country is receiving more rainfall due to extreme weather conditions and the situation is expected to worsen 10 years from now.”

He said the appointed consultant will be given three months to complete their proposal.

He also said that DBKL will be building a flood wall, such as the ones in Japan, in areas where rivers are prone to overflowing.

“The wall will be built soon and the specifications will be provided based on discussions with the DID. We are also working together to determine a suitable location,” he said.

Previously, the DID received proposals from private companies to build another SMART Tunnel in the Klang Valley to alleviate floods.

DID flood management division director Rozman Mohamad had said he was open to the plan as existing flood mitigation systems and reservoir ponds had failed to prevent floods.

He added that the government was considering the costs and benefits of the plan since the proposed second tunnel would be longer than the existing one. – The Vibes, June 5, 2022