The only real solution to this flood problem is elevating all low lying terrains much higher above the highest recorded flood level of that area as well as replacing and elevating all our existing drains and culverts. Something Singapore did many many years ago with some areas being forced to landfill to as much as two meters higher than the existing road level. As Penangites, we must readily admit that flooding not only occurs during heavy rain, but also whenever a high tide occurs. It so happens that nowadays, a phenomenon like a high tide actually raises our sea level to meet the level of our existing drains therefore the backflow. The seawater gushes in while at the same time rainwater wanted to gush out, both looking for an outlet this they collide. And it is not because Francis light and his entire entourage intended it to be this way but because global warming has drastically raised the sea level, the same reason why all our sandy beaches are being eaten up slowly by the sea from Gurney Drive till Batu Feringghi and beyond. And it is not about leaves and rubbish clogging the drains as some would like to blame it on. I’m just revisiting architecture in all its common sense glory.
