By DayakDaily Team
BINTULU, Nov 9: The RM7.77 million Bintulu Phase Two Flood Mitigation Project at Gem Park is expected to benefit approximately 500 residents by reducing the risk of flooding in the area.
The project, implemented by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), has an 18-month construction period, beginning on Nov 23, 2026, and is scheduled for completion on May 22, 2028.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project was designed with the drainage system in Gem Park in mind, which receives water runoff from surrounding areas, as well as the area’s low-lying terrain.
He said the main monsoon drain would allow water from nearby areas to flow directly into the river, while a new retention pond would contain excess water when river levels rise.
“Accumulated water will be pumped out when river levels recede to prevent it from remaining stagnant in residential areas,” he said to reporters after attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at Gem Park here today, as reported by TVS.
The project, which involves 94 houses, also includes constructing two reinforced concrete drains measuring 558 metres and 265 metres in length, with widths of five metres and one metre, respectively.
Other works include raising the existing earth embankment to 3.6 metres and elevating the road to 3.1 metres.
Dr Sim said the project was one of five local flood mitigation initiatives currently being implemented in Bintulu, with one project completed and another at 86 per cent progress.
However, he said addressing Bintulu’s flooding issues would also require a more comprehensive, large-scale approach, as the problem involves water flows from upstream areas and sea-level influences.
He added that joint planning and funding between the Sarawak and Federal governments would be necessary to address Bintulu’s flooding problems effectively. — DayakDaily
