Lake in dire need of care

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THE RM1.1mil allocation to upgrade Taman Aman in Section 22, Petaling Jaya, in the 2010 Petaling Jaya City Hall (MBPJ) budget should be used to clean the lake, said Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lau Weng San.

Lau said a report by the area’s Rukun Tetangga and non-governmental organisation Global Environment Centre (GEC), highlighted problems linked to the park’s lake and steps to overcome them.

He said there was an unpleasant smell from the lake early in the morning and after heavy rain.

“It is suspected that the sludge content in the lake is high because the smell indicates trapped ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulphate gases in the water,” Lau said.

Green matter: The thriving algae in the lake indicates contamination of the water which may prove harmful to aquatic life.

The report stated that desludging was the only solution but it needed proper supervision as stirred sludge released gases that could kill aquatic animals and plants in the lake.

Water from a monsoon drain near the lake backflowed during heavy rain.

“The drain is blocked by tree roots that trap ped rubbish.

“The water level in the drain rises during rain and the resulting backflow can contaminate the lake,” Lau said.

Another issue raised in the report was that drains in nearby residential areas are discharging its contents directly into the lake that also acts as a water retention pond.

“The nearby development project is also polluting the water that goes into the drains thus contributing to the problem,” Lau said.

There are also drains in the residential area that are narrow and not properly aligned.

“It is suggested in the report that the drainage system in the area may need to be repaired where possible to stop waste from the residential areas flowing into the lake,” he said.

Lau added that some were underground drains thus making its contents hard to determine.

The report proposes a diversion be created for such drains so that its contents go into the monsoon drain.

Part of the lake is also covered by green algae.

The algae is a possible indication of high levels of phosphate and nitrate in the water.

The report suggests testing the lake’s water quality as it may start to become unsuitable for aquatic life,” Lau said.

He said he would suggest to MBPJ to form a committee to discuss the problems and find a solution.

“I also feel that the committee should be a long-term one that will look into the overall maintenance of this park.

“Right now, a few departments of the council are responsible for different aspects of the park like landscaping and electrical work,” Lau said.