Pledge to stop floods
(The Star) – “As the long-term flood mitigation plan requires the creation of water catchments and the acquisition of land for infrastructure, it would be easier if we (Barisan) take over the state government than having to acquire the land,” he said before handing out the aid to the flood victims yesterday.
The Barisan Nasional is committed to resolving the flood problems in Selangor although the state is ruled by Pakatan Rakyat.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak started the ball rolling when he announced a RM7.5mil allocation to carry out temporary flood mitigation work in Hulu Langat, which suffered severe flooding during a downpour earlier this month.
The Prime Minister also presented cash aid and assistance amounting to almost RM7mil to 3,528 victims.
“As the long-term flood mitigation plan requires the creation of water catchments and the acquisition of land for infrastructure, it would be easier if we (Barisan) take over the state government than having to acquire the land,” he said before handing out the aid to the flood victims yesterday.
Helping hand: (From right) Abd Talib Hashim, daughter Futri Alwadiah Arabiah, three and wife Eshah Non Chi taking home household items with the assistance of Putera 1Malaysia members after the handing-over of 7,000 mattresses and 3,500 gas stoves to flood victims in Hulu Langat and Ampang at IKBN, Dusun Tua in Hulu Langat yesterday. Continuous rain for almost 12 hours on March 7 saw several parts of Selangor hit by flash floods with the Ampang and Hulu Langat districts badly hit.
Najib, who was briefed on the flooding problem in Hulu Langat, said the temporary flood mitigation project would involve the upgrading of bridges along Sungai Serai, including the sewerage and drainage systems.
“The short-term plans will be implemented this year. If possible, work can even start before the general election,” he said to loud cheers.
Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department director Ab Qahar Osman noted in his briefing that it would take two years for a RM15mil project to develop water catchment ponds covering 6ha along Sungai Serai.
Najib said he always accorded priority to Selangor people, adding that he was in the area despite the F1 race in Sepang.
“But (McLaren driver) Lewis Hamilton can wait, the people of Hulu Langat are more important to me.
“Furthermore, Hamilton cannot vote, but you folks can!” he said in jest.
The Prime Minister said Selangor folk were more inclined towards supporting Barisan as they were aware of Pakatan’s unfulfilled promises.
