By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 28: Construction of a third detention pond in Desa Wira, Batu Kawah, covering approximately five acres with a capacity of 30,000 cubic metres of water, has officially commenced.
The project, costing RM14.5 million, is part of a comprehensive plan to address long-standing flood issues in the area.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that the project is expected to be completed within 20 months, significantly improving the local drainage system’s efficiency.
“The Desa Wira detention pond can hold over 30,000 cubic metres of water, equivalent to 12,000 water tankers. It is comparable in size to 60 detached houses or 250 strata apartments,” he said in a statement today after witnessing the handover of letters of award by Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) director Datu Ir Ts Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi to the appointed contractor.
Construction was scheduled to begin on Nov 25, with completion targeted for July 24, 2026.
Dr Sim, who is also the Batu Kawah assemblyman, noted that this initiative follows the development of two other detention ponds in Batu Kawah with one in MJC New Township and another in Pine Square commercial area.
The MJC New Township detention pond, costing RM19.88 million, is scheduled for completion by May 2026, while the Pine Square pond, budgeted at RM22.5 million, is expected to be completed by November 2026.
“The Desa Wira detention pond is a critical element of Phase 1 of the Desa Wira-Kampung Sinar Budi Baru flood mitigation scheme, valued at RM20 million. It represents the final milestone of this phase,” Dr Sim explained.
Phase 2 of the flood mitigation project, with an estimated budget of RM40 million, is expected to open for tender next year.
Desa Wira, a low-lying area experiencing rapid development, has long suffered from severe flooding during heavy rain.
Dr Sim stressed that addressing this issue requires a systematic and comprehensive approach rather than isolated upgrades or standalone projects.
“A combination of internal drain upgrades, external drainage expansion, and the construction of detention ponds is crucial to mitigating flood risks effectively,” he added.
The Sarawak government remains committed to improving residents’ quality of life and fostering sustainable economic development through integrated drainage and flood mitigation efforts. — DayakDaily
