By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 14: Asajaya assemblyman Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that a large canal connecting the Batang Samarahan and Batang Sadong rivers, estimated to cost RM300 million, is currently under construction and will be completed in 2026.
Abdul Karim, who is also lntegrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA) chairman and Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), told reporters this at a press conference during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House for Asajaya constituency today, which was held in the Asajaya Sports Complex in Asajaya.
“In the event of heavy rain, the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) is building a large canal approximately 30 metres wide to alleviate flooding in the interior and upper part of Samarahan.
“With the canal between these two rivers, Batang Samarahan and Batang Sadong, excess water from heavy rainfall will enter the canal and flow into the two involved rivers,” he disclosed.
Abdul Karim said IRSDA and other government agencies are collaborating to complete the project, which is anticipated to take two to three years finish.
“The project’s starting location is in the Samarahan flood mitigation area, where nearly 30 bulldozers are in operation.
“Currently, the project is being carried out according to two packages, each worth RM150 million and divided between two contractors,” he added.
In another development, Abdul Karim stated that the waterfront construction project in Tambirat village has now been approved.
He disclosed that the project, estimated to cost more than RM100 million, is anticipated to have a positive impact on local entrepreneurship and businesses.
He also revealed that the construction of the waterfront, as well as the new Tambirat hawker centre, will be among the area’s new attractions.
“These will become new attractions for visitors in Kuching, and we hope to make this area similar to the Siniawan area,” he added. — DayakDaily
