GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan has taken the state government to task over the flash floods that hit the southwest district this morning.
State Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong said the state government had failed to address the issue.
He said he received many complaints from people affected by the flash floods in areas around Jalan Mahsuri, Sungai Ara and SJK(C) Aik Hua.
"What is disappointing is that the Penang government has announced numerous flood mitigation plans for the southwestern region that cost millions of ringgit, but the problem persists.
"The people have the right to know why the flood mitigation plans are ineffective and whether the authorities will reassess the contractor selection process for future projects."
Earlier today, parts of the island were hit by flash floods following heavy rain.
Clips shared on social media showed that the main road in Bayan Baru, particularly Jalan Mayang Pasir, was inundated.
Traffic congestion was reported in flooded areas.
Oh said when Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was a state councillor in 2016, he announced flood mitigation projects in Teluk Kumbar, Bayan Lepas and Jalan Tun Dr Awang, costing RM3 million, RM3.175 million and RM1.3 million, respectively.
He said there was also the project to improve Sungai Balik Pulau, costing RM2.2 million, bringing the total cost of all projects to nearly RM10 million.
"The government has spent millions on flood mitigation projects in southwestern Penang, yet they have been ineffective and have failed to address flooding in the area.
"This shows weakness in the management and monitoring of public projects.
"Is the Penang government checking the progress and effectiveness of flood mitigation projects?
"Is the state government transparent in the use of funds for these plans?
"These are questions the public wants answers to."
He said the state government often promised to resolve the flood problem during election campaigns, but the promises were merely a strategy to win votes.
He said southwest district residents had long suffered from floods and it was time the state government presented practical solutions and stop the people's suffering.
He said the state government should set up a team to review the implementation and effectiveness of flood mitigation plans, develop more effective solutions and ensure transparency in the use of funds for these projects.
The New Straits Times has reached out to the Penang government for a response.