KUCHING: The Batu Kawa constituency has received a total of RM84.7 million for 130 drainage system upgrade projects from 2016 to 2022.
Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said that this funding does not include the RM140 million flood mitigation projects for the Batu Kawa constituency. These projects are currently in the process of being tendered after consultants completed the designs.
Furthermore, he said an additional RM160 million will be allocated for flood mitigation projects in the Batu Kawa constituency under the Sarawak government’s 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term (until 2025) reviews.
Recently, Dr Sim visited the Batu Kawa Stapok Resettlement area’s drainage works project, which cost RM884,469 and was awarded through an open tender.
Dr Sim emphasised that more development projects could be completed faster if the federal government’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) or the Ministry of Local Government could provide extra funding.
Upgrading drainage systems in residential areas is a complex task, especially in places like Taman Desa Wira, Stapok Resettlement area, and Batu Kawa low-cost housing area.
These areas have earth drains that have not been upgraded for many decades.
Dr Sim suggested carrying out the upgrades in a step-by-step and phased manner, converting the existing earth drains into concrete drains.
He also warned contractors to fulfill their contracts and complete their work on time. Failure to do so could result in consequences like blacklisting, which has already happened in some cases.
