SARATOK: Stagnant water which is affecting crops in the Pagan area will be addressed soon.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said that the problem faced by residents, especially farmers and smallholders in the area, will be resolved as this involves their livelihood.
“In the immediate term, we will clear all the blocked ditches,” he said, adding, “as for the long-term solution, allocations under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) will be used to upgrade and build sluice gates in Sungai Rembus, Sungai Sebetan and Sungai Pagan.”
He gave the assurance at a meeting with the residents to personally inspect the condition of the ditches which has resulted in the water stagnating.
“All technical issues will be discussed in more detail with the Kalaka Saribas Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) for the Sungai Rembus area.
“As for the areas of Sungai Pagan and Sungai Sebetan, the Department of Drainage and Irrigation will be involved,” he said.
Mohamad also spoke of the possibility of upgrading the Pagan River sluice gate.
“We are also planning to build a new sluice gate in Sungai Sebetan and the area leading to Rumah Panjang Rubiah to deal with stagnant water.
“Similarly, the plan to build a new sluice in Sungai Rembus may also be necessary.
“I am confident that the problem can be solved with provisions under RTP will eventually improve the socioeconomic status of the people in the Pagan area,” he added.
