KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian has assured that the flooding problem in the Desa Wira area will be resolved within three years.
He said this would be achieved through the completion of a flood mitigation project, rainwater retention ponds and flood pumping stations.
Dr Sim who is Batu Kawa assemblyman said the implementation of the project, which involves two phases at a total cost of RM64 million, will commence this year.
“For the first phase involving the construction of flood barriers and rainwater retention ponds costing RM20 million, it has been approved and tenders will be opened at the end of this month.
“This project is expected to take a year to complete, with implementation starting this year,” he said.
He told New Sarawak Tribune this after visiting flood victims at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at Stapok Community Hall and Kampung Sinar Budi Baru here yesterday (Mar 2).
On the same note, Dr Sim who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said the project includes the construction of a two-kilometre track route built on the concept of the Netherlands.
He said it is a long-term solution plan involving a river near Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, Desa Wira, which leads to a river near McDonald’s at the Bandar Baru Batu Kawa (MJC).
“As for the second phase involving a cost of RM44 million, it is an additional project approved by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg last year.
“This flood pumping station construction project has proven to be effective and has been done in Sibu.
“It functions to pump flood water overflow and is very ideal for use in flood-prone areas like Desa Wira and Kampung Sinar Budi Baru.
“So, overall, both phases are expected to be completed within three years because the allocation has been approved by the Sarawak government,” he added.
He emphasised that in addition, the state government is also implementing a project to upgrade the drainage system and flood mitigation in the Batu Kawa area at a cost of RM120 million, carried out by the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).
“This project involves several phases and is being vigorously implemented. Overall, the state government has allocated RM260 million to address the flood problem in the entire Batu Kawa area.
“All of these are implemented for the comfort of the people because we want them to remain comfortable in their settlements, not to move to new places,” he stressed.
Saturday (March 2) marked the fifth flash flood occurrence in the Taman Desa Wira, Batu Kawa, and Kampung Sinar Budi Baru areas in just two months.
This occurred due to the low-lying area, along with continuous rainfall readings exceeding 60 millimetres (mm) per one hour.
