NEED TO CLEAN DRAINS

Consumers Association of Penang(CAP) urges the City Council of Penang (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) to increase efforts in cleaning up drains in Penang to prevent the spread of diseases.

CAP’s recent survey at various locations found many clogged drains. They have not been cleaned and were also covered with grease. Waste thrown in the drains clogged them up and produced  foul smell. The dry season made the situation worse.

Foul smelling drains give a bad image to the state which is a prominent tourism destination and also poses a health hazard to the residents, as dirty drains attract rodents, cockroaches, and mosquitoes. The Penang Health Department recently said there had been increase in dengue cases.

Among the badly affected areas are Jalan Tun Sardon, Jalan Dato Kramat, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Jalan Utama, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Gurdwara, Jalan Jones, and most of the drains at Ayer Itam and Bayan Baru on Penang Island while Jalan Kampung Gajah, Jalan Bagan Luar, and Jalan Kampung Bengali are in Seberang Perai.

The City Council of Penang Island (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) should act proactively and not wait for complaints to be made.

The drainage in Penang should also be improved to meet the increased density of population in many areas.

The State government must direct agencies concerned to improve the old drainage system before any new project is carried out. This includes the widening and deepening of the present drains so that the waste water is able to flow unhindered.

 

Press Statements, 8 February 2019