KUCHING, Feb 21: The Netherlands’ continued evolution in water management despite years of expertise is something Sarawak needs to replicate, says Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“Despite many years of excellent expertise, water management in the Netherlands continues to evolve. Initially, it was to provide protection from the sea, to provide protection from rivers overflowing from neighbouring countries.
“Now, it’s to provide protection from climate change with extreme weather, not just floods but droughts (as well). At the same time, it also deals with the sea level rising (SLR) issue,” he said in a Facebook post while on a working trip to the Netherlands.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said this requires the public and private sectors and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to come together for adaptative planning, urban resilience, and a ‘build with nature’ approach.
“(This was) An eye opener for me and the rest of the delegation that we need to replicate not just for the Sibu Urban Renewal Plan but throughout Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim said that the Dutch government intends to provide technical assistance to the Sarawak government to solve the flood problems here. — DayakDaily
