By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 8: Long-standing soil erosion and drainage damage issues affecting residents along Jalan Hills in Miri are set to be resolved as upgrading works on the area’s drainage system are now actively underway.
According to Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, the project is being funded through the Public Works Department’s (JKR) Emergency Fund, with an allocation of RM450,000 approved following the identification of the site as requiring urgent intervention.
“This allocation enables repair works to be carried out immediately in collaboration with the Miri City Council (MCC), particularly in addressing the long-standing erosion and drainage issues in this area,” he said during a site visit today to inspect the progress of slope rehabilitation works and the reconstruction of a collapsed concrete drain at Jalan Hills.
Lee, who is also the Sarawak Transport Minister, said construction began on April 22 and is slated for completion by July 21.
The scope of works includes the construction of a 61-metre-long concrete drain measuring 1.5 metres in width, as well as the rehabilitation and cleaning of 91 metres of existing drainage infrastructure.
The project also involves the installation of a 14-metre PVC culvert to improve water flow and reduce pressure on the drainage system, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, acknowledged concerns were raised by nearby residents over a hollowed-out section of ground adjacent to the project site, which could potentially affect the structural integrity of a concrete fence and access routes to nearby homes.
In response, he instructed both the contractor and MCC to ensure that all repair and reinforcement works are carried out comprehensively and to the highest standards.
“I want to ensure that every aspect of safety is prioritised, including preventing recurring erosion that could endanger residents and damage property,” he said.
In a related development, Lee revealed that another erosion mitigation project is currently underway at Taman Hilltop, involving an area near three houses affected by previous erosion incidents.
The project is being funded through a separate RM400,000 emergency allocation following erosion caused by heavy rainfall and flooding. — DayakDaily
