Drainage system will be in place, assures contractor

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KUALA LUMPUR: The main contractor for the Ipoh-Padang Besar Electric Double Track Project (EDTP) has given the assurance that it has taken into consideration the need for drainage system in flood-prone areas in its corridor in Penang.

In a statement, MMC-Gamuda Joint Venture said the company was also confident that the mitigation measures and the emergency response plan put in place by the company would be able to face eventualities in the current monsoon season.

It said that following a meeting  between  the  EDTP management, independent consultant, local councils as well as federal agencies such as the Irrigation and Drainage Department, Public Works Department and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd, the company would stress on the design for a drainage system that allow for a smooth flow of water.

“We are also monitoring the situation round-the-clock due to the rainy season to ensure that the flow of water is not obstructed due to the construction process,” it said.

On Friday, the Penang DAP government ordered the project to be stopped in the state fearing it could aggravate floods.

The company said it had carried out checks at the site along with Penang executive councillors Lim Hock Seng and Law Choo Kiang, among others, and found that the maintenance of some of the water openings along the project’s corridor was not under the company’s jurisdiction.

The 329km project, costing RM12.5 billion, is expected to be completed in 2013. — Bernama

On the recent floods in Kedah, the company said, the authorities had ascertained that there was a higher amount of rainfall during the period. — Bernama