DENGUE AND DRAIN

I quote…

“Primary prevention of dengue mainly resides in mosquito control. In urban areas, Aedes mosquitos breed on water collections in artificial containers such as plastic cups, used tires, broken bottles, flower pots, etc. Periodic draining or removal of artificial containers is the most effective way of reducing the breeding grounds for mosquitos .For reducing the adult mosquito load, fogging with insecticide is somewhat effective..”










I guess another favorite breeding spot for aedes is in a concrete drain like the above photo......water collected in drain due to clogged sump ....lots of food and abundance of O2 for the larvae to pupate and in a matter of days turn into ferocious aedes mosquitoes...!


Today I wish to highlight a drainage system that could possibly help reduce the spread of dengue plague(my personal opinion only)….This system is commonly used in golf courses / parks , but lately a lot of bungalow projects have opted to this system to replace the widely used half round glazeware concrete drain around the house perimeter……no maintenance...hassle free...aesthetically pleasing...


For some it’s called French Drain (as the system originated from France ,of course) but in Malaysia we call it SUB SOIL drainage system… Here’s how the drain is constructed:

Step 1: Digging the trench
Digging the trench is the most labor intensive part of the project. Your trench should be 5" - 6" wide, in extreme cases (where a large amount of water has to be re routed) a larger trench of 12" - 18" may be required. A French drain should be no deeper than the foundations of the nearest building. Your trench will run parallel to the wall of your building, horizontally across the slope. This will stop the water as it runs downhill towards your property and allow it to run off through your drain.



Step 2 : Line with gravel
On completion of the trench, line with 2"-3" of coarse gravel.



Step 3: Lining the trench
Next, line the trench with landscape fabric (reinforced geotextile membrane) leaving some excess on either side, you will later fold these inward to create an enclosed drain pipe and gravel structure, this will help prevent dirt from clogging up the gravel.
Refer to online catalog : Nylex

(If you have an existing perimeter concrete drain, begin with step 3)


Step 4: Lay the drainage pipe
Lay the drain pipe on top of the lining and fill the trench with coarse gravel. Leave 4”-5” at the top of the trench. If you are using perforated pipe, ensure the holes are facing downwards.



Step 5: Enclose the gravel and pipe
Fold the excess liner over the top of the gravel.



Step 6: Fill and Finish!
Fill the rest of the trench by shoveling on some coarse sand, add a few inches of topsoil, seed or turf, or most prefer to lay with river pebbles, and the job is done! Voila!

Seemed "kacang" enough for you to DIY ?If not, please get an experienced contractor to undertake this project.

I wish for everyone of us to play our part in preventing the widespread of dengue...be it the smallest gesture of trashing your empty drinking bottle in the bin...cause usually its the innocent ones who are victimized by our non- civic mindedness...