By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 5: Desa Wira residents today submitted a memorandum to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg seeking his intervention to suspend the Desa Wira Flood Mitigation Project Phase 2 over safety and technical concerns.
The memorandum was submitted by Persatuan Kebajikan Penduduk Taman Desa Bumiko Kuching (PKPDB) chairwoman Dr Chang Li Kuin at the Satria Pertiwi Complex and received on behalf of the Premier by his press secretary Datuk Ambrose Cheng Loi Hee and Chief Security Officer Kaderi Said.
Dr Chang said the association decided to go directly to the Premier after exhausting all other channels with the authorities and contractors.
“Our main aim is immediate suspension of the project and a roundtable discussion with all relevant parties, including experts.
“Until today, no full environmental or impact report has been given to us. We are still in the dark,” she told reporters when met in front of the building.
According to her, site clearing and excavation have been ongoing for about a month, particularly near Lorong 5E, 5F and 5G, where drains are being diverted and foundations for a water pump are already being laid.
She also said that there are no visible protective or monitoring measures such as barriers or instruments to detect soil movement and wall cracks.
“I don’t see any protective measures. That in turn increases our concern even more.
“If there is no proper protective measure, there is a significantly high chance of damage, because without these measurements, you don’t know how much to dig, how intensive you can dig, or when to stop,” she explained.
When asked about the worst-case scenario for Desa Wira residents, Dr Chang said it could involve both property damage and loss of life.
Dr Chang also identified the project’s implementing agency as Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), with Pembinaan Kuantiti Sdn Bhd as the contractor and Jayalu Sdn Bhd as the subcontractor.
“We have emailed and sent letters many times, but until today there has been no response except for a one-sided briefing on Jan 27.
“That is why we are here today, because otherwise our voices are not heard,” she stressed.
In its memorandum, PKPDB acknowledged the Sarawak government’s efforts to resolve flood problems but stressed that Phase 2 should be postponed until transparent and comprehensive technical studies are shared with residents.
Among its key demands are a temporary halt to the project, a roundtable discussion involving DID, engineers, local authorities, residents’ representatives and independent experts, and full disclosure of hydrological studies, impact assessments, technical design justifications and cost-benefit analyses. — DayakDaily
