SIBU,Jan 17: Flooding resulted from recent heavy downpour at Jalan Ulu Sungai Merah has caused serious traffic jam and inconvenience to the 8,000 residents in the area.
Describing the situation as “horrible”, Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang said as the road is the main one linking the area to other parts of Sibu, motorists either going to work or sending their children to school were caught in the traffic jam for three to four hours.
Speaking to reporters after officiating the prize-giving ceremony for School Recycling Campaign 2023 today, he said the heavy rain starting since last week, was the culprit. Due to the flood waters, water level in the area has risen between three to four metres high especially in front of SMK Ulu Sungai Merah.
To make it worse, the drainage culvert which had long collapsed, further aggravated the situation.
“I have discussed with SMC (Sibu Municipal Council) and DID (Drainage and Irrigation Department) and they have come out with two temporary measures to solve the flooding problems,” said Tiang who is also Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
SMC would raise up the 2km road with gravels while DID has started digging the drain to allow faster flow of river water.
“The Drainage and Irrigation Department said works would start in March and is expected to be completed in two years’ time.
“I urge residents to bear with us as we want a long-term solution to the traffic congestion and flooding problem (in the area),”he stressed. — DayakDaily
