Dirty back alley, clogged drains a stinking problem for Prima Setapak shop owners

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 -- At a glance, the row of shops at Prima Setapak may look clean and tidy, but it is a totally different situation when it comes to the dirty and stinking back alley. 

The condition of the back alley is believed to be caused by additional structures built at the back of many of the premises as well as the irresponsible actions of owners who install fixtures such as sinks above the drain, effectively sealing them off.

Combined, they all lead to clogged drains and a foul-smelling, grime-filled back alley.

Restaurant owner Susie Kang said the irresponsible action of throwing food waste directly into the drain by many of the nearby premises have caused flash floods to occur every time it rained heavily for the past six months.

“Water would seep into the shop when flash floods occur and destroy the floor tiles,” she told reporters here today.

Kang said the additional structures built in the cramped back alley also stopped lorries from entering and hindered cleaning efforts by waste management company Alam Flora.

Restaurant owner R. Raj Kumar, 50, said that the situation also turned off customers, especially during flash floods.

“Ankle-high stagnant water from flash floods would splash into the shop, spraying customers whenever a vehicle made its way through the street,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wangsa Maju MP Datin Dr Tan Yee Kew, who was also conducting a check at the area, said she viewed the matter seriously and would discuss it with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

“DBKL has informed us that they will provide notices to premise owners to tear down the additional structures and not to place any object that would close or obstruct the drainage within 14 days, beginning today,” she said.

Tan said a clean up by Alam Flora would also be conducted to rectify the situation as soon as possible.

-- BERNAMA