By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 18: Motorists are advised to avoid Jalan Rock (near 3rd Mile), Jalan Ong Tiang Swee and Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho as a stretch of the road in front of the Insolvency Department Sarawak Branch is currently impassable, causing many vehicles to become stranded as they wait for floodwaters to recede.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng together with councillor Goh Tze Hui who were present at the locations to inspect the flood situation in the area expressed their thanks to a Good Samaritan who has been helping to divert traffic coming out from Jalan Ong Tiang Swee to Jalan Rock all morning.
“This is the kind of person who exemplifies the spirit of Sarawak, of helping people in times of need.
“This is not the time to point fingers or put the blame on anybody, as that will not bring any solutions because nobody wants flash floods to happen.
“Let’s come together and help one another instead,” he said during his live session as he went around to inspect areas affected by the flash floods across Kuching and Samarahan this morning following heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
During the livestream, it can be seen that the floodwaters were almost waist deep in some areas, with a strong current flowing from Jalan Ong Tiang Swee where the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China is located, towards Jalan Rock near Westmoore Commercial Centre.
As such, Wee advised motorists not to take the risk to attempt to cross the inundated stretch as storm drains were overflowing with water as they have exceeded their capacity.
“We (MBKS) have met with the DID (Department of Irrigation and Drainage) to discuss a flood mitigation plan to be included in a mid-term review. We will go through it and update the public on the development in due time,” he added.
