Major sewerage system upgrade plan for SS15

National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) will undertake a RM2.74mil project to upgrade and replace the sewerage pipe system of two streets in SS15, Subang Jaya in Selangor.

SPAN chairman Charles Santiago said funding for the project was from a Sewerage Capital Contribution Fund contributed to by developers for projects, while IWK would be the implementing agency.

“SS15 is a commercial area more than 30 years old.

“The old sewerage pipes are unable to cope with the increase in population and economic activity.

“The problems are compounded by cooking oil dumped into the sewerage system that clogs it up,” he said during a site visit.

Santiago said the RM2.74mil allocation was to upgrade and replace sewerage pipes along Jalan SS15/4 and Jalan SS15/8.

Initial surveying works have started; it is expected to be completed within six months.

“The project’s work scope includes replacing and upgrading sewerage pipes from the existing 150mm diameter ones to 225mm pipes measuring nearly 500m in length, replacing and connecting existing lateral pipes to premises and replacing 12 existing manholes.

“These solutions were drawn up following a letter sent by Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng and several internal discussions between Ng, SPAN and IWK.”

(Left) Damaged and clogged sewerage pipes in SS15 have multiple knock-on effects, including collapsed drain structures and sewage backflow into premises.

Santiago said SPAN viewed the issue seriously as it involved public health and hygiene, and that untreated sewage overflowing into drains could indirectly affect raw water sources.

“The sewerage pipe system in SS15 is a long-standing issue with multiple knock-on effects,” said Ng.

“Soil movement has affected alignment of the sewerage pipe network.

“Certain drain structures have also collapsed and there have been sewage backflow into premises.

“In addition, some premises have their rainwater downpipes channelled into inspection chambers linked to the sewerage system.”

She added that the sewerage system was not designed to contain rainwater, so during a downpour, excessive rainwater would result in sewage backflowing into the premises.

After the sewerage pipe project is completed, Ng plans to discuss with Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) on issuing notices to SS15 commercial building owners to modify their rainwater downpipes to channel water into drains.

She also urged building owners to allow IWK and its contractor access to their shop’s inspection chambers for them to carry out their work.

Santiago said SPAN would closely monitor the project’s progress, and that he would return in six months to check on the works that were expected to benefit some 40,000 people who worked, studied and lived in the SS15 vicinity.

“Everyone who works and lives here has a shared responsibility in ensuring the care and maintenance of the environment.

“Restaurant owners, in particular, must ensure they have a proper waste disposal system and not dump waste into the drains,” he said.

MBSJ Engineering Department deputy director Dr Mohd Ariffuddin Kamari said the city council would ensure project specifications met its requirements, to ensure the project’s durability and that it would not adversely impact other council-owned infrastructure such as roads and drains.