by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 14: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has expressed concern over motorists parking irresponsibly on newly upgraded covered drains at the 7th Mile Old Bazaar, warning that such actions risk compromising the drainage system’s structural integrity and public safety.
The incident follows the recent completion of a RM1.1 million Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) drainage upgrade aimed at addressing persistent flash flooding in the area.
Despite the improvements, Yap said he had received complaints that the rainwater discharge outlet connected to the upgraded drain system was already damaged, believed to be caused by vehicles parking directly on top of the drain covers.
“The added weight and pressure from parked vehicles have compromised the structural integrity of the drainage system, undoing the benefits of the recent upgrades,” Yap said in a statement.
“It is extremely disappointing to see public property being damaged due to sheer negligence and a lack of civic responsibility.
“The Sarawak GPS government has allocated substantial funds to improve infrastructure for the benefit of the community, only for such efforts to be undermined by the irresponsible actions of a few.”
Yap appealed to all road users to be more civic-minded and refrain from actions that harm community infrastructure, reminding that repair costs ultimately fall on taxpayers.
He also encouraged residents to play an active role by reporting irresponsible parking, including submitting photographic evidence to authorities for enforcement action.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring public funds are used effectively and that infrastructure projects deliver long-term benefits to the community. He warned that continued vandalism or misuse of public property would not be tolerated and called for stricter enforcement to deter such behaviour. – DayakDaily
