KUCHING, Aug 4: The residents of Borneo Garden, particularly from Lorong 4A1, 4A2 and 4A3, at Jalan Lapangan Terbang here want the relevant authorities to fix and improve the poor drainage system which is the cause of recurring flash floods in the residential area for the past 30 years.
The residents recently approached Sarawak United Peoples’ Party Public Complaints Bureau (SUPP PCB) chief Wilfred Yap to highlight and bring their flash flood predicament to the attention of the Public Works Department (JKR), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).
“The residents complained that they have been facing flash flood problems every time there is a heavy downpour for the past 30 years which have gotten worse recently.
“The poor drainage has caused excess rain water to get into their car porches and for some houses, their living rooms, and this has greatly inconvenienced the residents,” Yap disclosed in a statement today.
The residents also informed Yap that for the past 25 years, they have constantly reported this flash flooding issue to the authorities concerned but the problem remains unresolved.
The residents revealed that they have investigated the causes of the flooding situation and discovered that the main culvert across Jalan Lapangan Terbang which allows water runoff to drain from Borneo Garden is below the corresponding main drain level and is too narrow and small.
The affected residents have also requested for scheduled periodic maintenance and clearing of the earth drains by along Jalan Lapangan Terbang to alleviate the flash flooding.
After receiving the complaint and request for assistance, Yap, who is also SUPP Kota Sentosa chairman, had immediately referred the problem affecting the residents to the three authorities concerned for them to speedily resolve the flash flooding problem as soon as possible.
“As a long-term solution, I also appeal to the authorities concerned to conduct a study and formulate a comprehensive drainage system for Borneo Garden and its surrounding areas.
“SUPP PCB will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that all the necessary periodic maintenance, improvement and upgrading works are carried out and completed properly.
“It is hoped that with proper planning, the authorities concerned can apply for development funds and/or prioritise and allocate the usage of the yearly development funding from the government for the upgrading of all the existing drains to keep up with the needs of the residential development for the area,” he added.
Yap emphasised that SUPP PCB will continue to serve as the eyes and ears of the local community and will highlight and try to resolve issues or problems affecting the public.
Anyone who comes across problems of public interest but does not know how to deal with them may call SUPP Public Complaint at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or go directly to SUPP Head Office to request for assistance. — DayakDaily
