RM340 mln flood mitigation project to complete by 2023

Infrastructure and Ports Development Assistant Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi (second left) being briefed on the Proposed Coastal Bund and Drainage System at Sebangan Bajong, Drainage Scheme of Block A, Samarahan Division (Phase 1) by Sarawak Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Deputy Director Ir Law Wee (second right) and Perunding Hazat Sdn. Bhd. Engineer Ir Tan T.M (left), while Samarahan Division Resident Officer Brahim Lumpu looks on. Photo: Ramidi Subari

SEBUYAU: A flood mitigation project in Sebuyau is expected to be completed by 2023, thus overcoming the problem of erosion and flooding caused by high tide which often hit the area.

The state government has allocated some RM340 million to the Samarahan Integrated Regional Development Agency (IRSDA) for the project which is being implemented by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the construction of the flood mitigation coastal bund project involved the Sebangan Bajong Scheme Block A, Block D, Block E and Block F covering a coastline of about 26.5 kilometres.

He said the area had previously been hit by high tides because the earlier coastal bund to mitigate flood had been eroded by salt water.

The on-going works on the Coastal Bund and Drainage System at Sebangan Bajong, Drainage Scheme of Block A, Samarahan Division (Phase 1). Photo: Ramidi Subari

According to Julaihi, 4.3km of coastal bund was built in the Sebangan Bajong Block A Scheme under the first phase which cost RM53 million.

“The progress of the Block A project is on schedule and its construction is running smoothly.

“The second phase is still in the design stage by the DID. This project will be completed in October 2022,” said Julaihi during a press conference after visiting the Sebangan Bajong Scheme Block A and Block E project sites, here on Saturday (Aug 7).

Julaihi, who is also Sebuyau assemblyman said, for the construction of flood mitigation coastal bunds in Block E, Kampung Tebelu and Kampung Seberang, the project was awarded to the contractor in February.

The RM84 million project will involve the construction of 8.2km of coastal bund.

Meanwhile, the project in Block D was awarded to a contractor last July at a cost of RM61.3 million.

“For the first phase of Block F, the construction of coastal bund is along 4.1km which cost RM34.6 million while the second phase of Block F along 2.9km will cost RM22.2 million.

“All these projects will be fully completed by 2023,” said Julaihi.

Apart from Sebuyau district, flood mitigation projects were also implemented in Asajaya and Sadong Jaya Districts.