BIWWEC 2024: Innovative HDPE mesh nets can mitigate flash flood risks amid urban growth

KUCHING (Oct 25): High-density polyethylene (HDPE) mesh nettings could serve as an effective solution to mitigate flash flood risks associated with ongoing urban development and construction, said Dutch Water Prevention chief executive officer Raymond Hofer.

In stating this, he described flash floods as ‘a formidable natural force that could be challenging to manage’.

“Polythene mesh nettings are the key, as they can effectively slow down flash floods.

“By slowing down the water flow and holding back debris, these nettings give downstream systems time to respond. Temporary flood defence systems like the ‘HESCO’ barriers, muscle walls, concrete barriers, and self-activating systems can also help contain floodwaters.

“However, the key is to slow it down as early as possible, especially on hillsides where these nettings can be placed,” he said in response to a question about the increasing frequency of flash floods due to urban development and construction in the city.

Hofer was presenting his paper on ‘Multiple Layers of Flood Defence and Flood Protection’ during the ‘Resilient Infrastructure – Technologies’ segment of the Borneo International Water and Wastewater Exhibition and Conference (BIWWEC) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.

In responding to a question about using smart water control systems and sensors in areas with no connectivity, Hofer confirmed their viability.

“Our ‘Delta’ system operates with satellites, enabling hydrological data collection and real-time monitoring. We utilise the low-route one network, which is a low-frequency network.

“I’m not sure if it’s available in Malaysia, but it should be since your country is well ahead in the digital world. So that should be doable and it’s literally a plug-and-play system,” he added.