Flood mitigation projects

Flood is probably the only natural disaster in Malaysia. The country is not facing the drought or tornado. So it is natural that efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of the flood.

In the latest global seminar, Aware 2012, the minister announced the plan to implement rm880mil government projects relating to flood mitigation in the country. So far 32 projects are under way, but no details was given by him. Flood hazards maps are being prepared for the following locations:

- Muar

- Kulai

- Kinta

- Selangor

- Muda

- Other area in Kedah

- Pahang

It is noticeable the absence of Kelantan and Terengganu. We know that these two states are more prone to flooding, probably, to give the benefits of the doubt, they are included in the rm880mil project.

The minister also announced that the disaster and its risk elements are the key components in the integrated water resources management. He admitted that in the implementation of the policy ... "in the past has led to fragmented structures and uncoordinated development of management of water". Probably he is taking the challenge and the blame in the same breadth.

What surprise me is the issue of availability of clean and affordable drinking water was not a matter of concern.

KL MRT Project Start

The Kuala Lumpur MRT project is one of the mega project consuming billion of ringgit. It is divided into different phases and awarded to multiple contractors. It is not known how the award process, whether is a closed tender, on appointment based on specific criteria or open tender. However I personally have not sighted any invitation to offer in the main newspaper.

One of the lucky company AZRB will be starting by this month the viaduct project stretching from Plaza Phoenix to Bandar Tun Razak. This is the sector V6, awarded to Ahmad Zaki Resources, a contract value of RM764.9 mil. It is schedule to be completed by Jun 2016.It will be using the elevated structure along the Cheras-Kajang highway, a distant of about 5.24km.

The project delivery partner is MMC Gamuda. This is a new term, created by the government after in case of consultancy fees paid the a company amounting to about rm500mil for the purchase of the 2 submarines from a French company.

The segment V5 is awarded to IJM, valued at rm974mil to be completed in 43 months. The work involved the construction of viaduct and related works from Maluri to Plaza Pheonix, covering a distant of 5.4 km.

It will for sure a project that will make some people richer.

Alor Gajah Sentral Terminal Collapsed

The ceiling of the newly completed alor gajah sentral terminal collapsed yesterday causing passengers and workers fleeing the building. The actual cause is still unknown, and it is likely remain hidden from the knowledge of the public.

The paper quoted the situation of strong wind and the blocked pipes to be the reasons. It does seem odd as the basic construction should be designed to withstand a reasonable gush of wing. The case of the pipes were blocked by dead pigeons is not relevant as it is unlikely to impose additional load on the ceiling.

Collapse building is quite common in Malaysia, where these buildings are likely of the government projects. We we shocked by the collapse stadium in Trengganu which had rendered million ringgit investment unusable until today.