By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Feb 22: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong is urging Minister for Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and the relevant authorities to implement a proper drainage system at Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa.
Yong, in a statement, said the poor drainage system there has caused flash floods and is calling Dr Sim who is also the Batu Kawah assemblyman to solve the issue which has yet to be dealt with by the authorities for years.
“I urge Dr Sim Kui Hian as the Minister of Local Government to be more proactive in his role to ensure that Department of Drainage and Irrigation Sarawak, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) as well as relevant parties involved under his ministry to take immediate action in implementing a proper drainage system at Jalan Field Force, Batu Kawa which is long overdue to resolve the flash flood issue.
“As a Minister responsible for the portfolio, he should be more attentive to people’s woes rather than letting the aggravated flash flood problem remain unsolved years after years,” she said.
Following visits to a few residences in that area after complaints received, Yong said the affected residents of the flash floods were very disappointed with the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities for failing to address the issue effectively and promptly.
She added the authorities concerned which include the Ministry of Local Government, the Department of Drainage and Irrigation Sarawak, Public Works Department Sarawak and MPP were fully aware of the root cause and severity of the problem.
Yet, Yong asserted that there was no concerted effort from them to ensure that a proper and effective drainage system is built to cater the water discharge until now.
Yong gathered that the flash flood is prompt to happen at the area between Lorong Field Force No. 2 and Lorong Field Force No. 4 whenever there is heavy downfall.
The rainwater from the army camp area will flow down towards the direction of Lorong Field Force No. 4 before passing through the private lands and discharging into Sungai Maong Kanan.
She also gathered from the affected residents that the relevant authorities will push the flash flood issue aside whenever it was brought up to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Hence, Yong said the residents were feeling helpless as their calls for help have fallen on deaf ears.
As a short term measure, Yong opined that MPP is required to carry out clearing works at the existing stream crossing the private lands nearby Lorong Field Force No. 4 which is one of the responsibilities prescribed under the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1994 in order to increase the rate of the water outflow. —DayakDaily
