By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 3: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap today issued an urgent call to address persistent flash flooding in Borneo Garden, citing severely clogged culvert inlets and outlets and stressing that temporary measures by Sarawak Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) contractors are insufficient to protect residents during heavy rainfall.
A press release stated that this afternoon, Yap together with officers from the Drainage and Irrigation Department visited the construction site situated at the inlet culvert of the construction site of the Sarawak ART along Jalan Lapangan Terbang and also the outlet of the culvert at Lorong Lapangan Terbang 5.
“The visit was made pursuant to requests made by residents of Borneo Garden who have repeatedly raised concerns to the contractor and Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd over debris accumulation at drainage outlets and the installation of three steel pipes at culvert inlets—a stopgap solution that fails to mitigate chronic flooding.
“During heavy rains, drains overflow within 30 minutes, endangering property, infrastructure, and public safety.
“Despite numerous complaints by the affected residents of Borneo Garden to the contractor and Sarawak Metro, no preventive resolution has been implemented by the contractor,” the release stated.
It further stated that, as a last resort, residents sought assistance from Yap, who has since taken action by arranging an urgent meeting with the Ministry of Transport, Sarawak Metro, and the affected residents to work towards a favourable solution.
“Yap stands on the side of the residents of Borneo Garden as the recurring flash flooding problem in Borneo Garden is unacceptable as it poses great inconveniences to the well-being of the community of Borneo Garden.”
Speaking on behalf of residents of Borneo Garden, Yap is of the view that while temporary fixes like steel pipes may offer minor relief, they ignore the root cause which is inadequate drainage infrastructure.
As such, the relevant authorities including the Drainage and Irrigation Department must prioritise improving the condition and invert level of drains to enhance drainage capacity and discharge/flow rate at the affected part.
“Yap will continue to monitor the issue closely, and shall raise the issue at Sarawak Assembly if delays to resolve this matter persist.
“This is not just about infrastructure—it’s about respecting the voices of Borneo Garden residents who deserve peace of mind every time it rains,” it said.
Recent weather events through climate change have highlighted the urgent need to address flash flooding and drainage concerns that disrupt daily life and Yap urges all affected in his constituency to come forward and share evidence of flash flooding hotspots, blocked drains, or inadequate drainage systems in their neighborhood as these will provide critical insights to prioritise long term solutions. — DayakDaily
