By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 11: Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has called on relevant agencies to speed up the resettlement of squatters near Sungai Sebiew to clear the way for a riverbed deepening project aimed at addressing flooding.
In a Facebook post last night (Feb 10), Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, said the severe flooding in Bintulu has shown that the flood mitigation system in the area lacks proper planning and is no longer able to meet the demands of an increasingly developed city.
During a special meeting at the Bintulu Development Agency (BDA) yesterday, he said the Land and Survey Department is conducting a census of households requiring resettlement in the affected areas.
He said that once the census is completed, the relevant agencies—including the Resident’s Office and BDA—will hold a coordination meeting on Feb 24 to discuss and finalise the resettlement plan.
“From today onwards, any new structures without approval in the area will not be allowed, and illegal buildings will be demolished,” said the federal Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Following that, he said, the working group overseeing the resettlement program will immediately begin the resettlement process, guided by data and logistical support that will be updated from time to time.
“Eligible residents from the squatter areas will be relocated to areas designated by the authorities, including low-cost housing units that are currently being planned.
“However, if these units are not completed on time, residents will still need to relocate and make temporary alternative arrangements. All parties must be prepared for this change.
“I urge all residents living in the illegal settlements along Sungai Sebiew to cooperate and complete their resettlement within the stipulated time frame to facilitate the immediate commencement of the riverbed deepening project,” he said.
The project will widen the river by 100 metres and deepen it by three to five metres to accommodate increased rainfall.
According to Tiong, the relocation plan has been discussed since early 2020, prompting him to reiterate that the project could not be delayed any longer.
“Other rivers must also be studied and upgraded to increase their water capacity in response to rapid urban development and climate change.
“I urge the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), BDA, and other relevant authorities to re-evaluate the entire river system and development plans for Bintulu,” he said. — DayakDaily
