By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 22: A 10-foot-deep detention pond spanning about 5,000 square metres is planned at an existing recreational park near Timberland Medical Centre as part of the RM100.2 million Sungai Maong Kiri Flood Mitigation Project, which is expected to be completed by March 2029.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the pond, also known as a dry pond, would remain dry most of the time but temporarily store excess rainwater during heavy downpours.
The pond would provide a low-lying area to temporarily collect excess water before it is released when conditions permit, helping to reduce the amount of water flowing into nearby homes.
“A detention pond is also known as a dry pond because it remains dry most of the time.
“But when it holds water, instead of the water flooding into houses, it goes to the lowest point, which is the detention pond. It is about 10 feet deep,” he told reporters at the project’s site mobilisation event near Timberland Medical Centre here today.
Besides the detention pond, the RM100.2 million Sungai Maong Kiri Flood Mitigation Project involves drainage upgrading, river improvement, riverbank protection, demolition and relocation works.
A covered reinforced concrete drain will also be built near Timberland Medical Centre to channel water towards the river, with the aim of reducing flooding around the medical facility.
According to Dr Sim, the project covers a stretch of about 5km to 6km, extending from Jalan Stampin Tengah near Kuching International Airport through the Hui Sing and Timberland Medical Centre areas, Iris Garden and The Podium, towards Sungai Maong and Stapok.
The project was awarded more than a month ago and has entered the site mobilisation stage. It is expected to take 30 months to complete, with a target completion date of March 14, 2029.
“The project will take 30 months because this area has a lot of utilities, which makes the work slow.
“In the past, cables and water pipes were laid almost everywhere, but now we know they cannot simply be laid anywhere because their locations need to be known.
“Some of our water pipes are also very old, and vibrations can cause them to burst. That is why Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is spending a lot of money to replace water pipes throughout the State, but it takes time,” he explained.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, further said once the detention pond is completed, the authorities plan to engage the local community on how the area could be improved for recreational use when dry.
He cited Japan’s Nissan Stadium, also known as International Stadium Yokohama, which hosted matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where excess water can be channelled into a car park beneath the stadium when river or sea levels rise.
He said the space could be used again after the water receded, adding that the detention pond could similarly incorporate recreational facilities such as landscaping and a jogging track.
Also present were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How. — DayakDaily
