By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 23: Kampung Sungai Bedaun has an ongoing development masterplan which includes new housing areas and upgrading of the drainage system to resolve flash flood problems.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg informed that projects have started implementation, but they are currently on halt due to bad weather.
Along the way, he said, the contractor was able to identify the issues arising from the long-term projects and they would be addressed.
“The ongoing development projects in the area would be integrated with organised drainage system that will avoid flash floods in low-lying areas.
“This is being implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) where the latter is in charge of developing the area.
“We are also aware that the extended families of Darul Hana residents will be placed here so we must ensure that the infrastructure development is integrated with the existing villages here,” he said when paying a visit to flood victims at a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) in Kampung Sungai Bedaun here today.
Abang Johari also updated that six PPS have been activated throughout Sarawak to date, namely Dewan Kampung Bedaun in Kuching, Balai Raya Kampung Opar in Bau, Balai Raya Kampung Jugan in Bau, Dewan Suarah Kota Samarahan in Samarahan, Dewan Masyarakat Ladong in Sebuyau, and SK Kampung Baru in Samarahan.
The total flood victims so far were 305 people from 73 families. At the PPS Sungai Kampung Bedaun alone, there were 91 victims from 18 families.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said immediate assistance in the form of food has been channeled to the victims.
He said the registered and eligible flood victims will receive Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) of RM1,000 for each household from the federal government.
When asked on assistance to those who were not evacuated, Uggah said they will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
“The resident and the district officer will make an evaluation whether they are affected by the flood or not. If they are, we will channel the assistance,” he elaborated.
At the same time, Federal Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri said the ministry will make an assessment of the damage suffered by flood victims.
“The federal ministry has an officer placed at the state-level ministry and we will work together to help the victims. We also have over 100 counsellors on standby to offer counselling services to the victims,” she explained.
Amongst those present during the visit were Sarawak Commissioner of Police Dato Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri and Kuching District Officer Sofhi Jebal. — DayakDaily
