By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 4: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is taking further action to address recurring flash floods in the city centre, with proposed flood mitigation works along Jalan Padungan and Jalan Chan Chin Ann aimed at improving the capacity and efficiency of the existing drainage system.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council understood the concerns and frustrations of residents, business operators and road users affected by flash floods whenever heavy rainfall hits the area.
“We hear the concerns of the public, and we see the problems on the ground. MBKS is not ignoring the situation. We are doing our best, within our responsibilities and available resources, to find practical and long-term solutions to reduce the impact of flash floods,” he said in a statement today.
Wee said the proposed works were necessary as the existing drainage system faced limitations in handling high volumes of stormwater during intense rainfall.
He said flood mitigation in an established and busy city centre was not as straightforward as simply enlarging an existing drain, as factors including roads, buildings, footpaths and underground utility services had to be taken into consideration.
“This is an old and developed part of the city. Whatever improvement we carry out must be properly planned because there are existing utilities, roads, businesses and properties surrounding the area.
“We want to make sure that what we do is effective and provides a lasting improvement, rather than simply shifting the flooding problem from one location to another,” he said.
The proposed project includes the construction of about 200 metres of additional reinforced concrete box drain measuring 1.2 metres wide and 1.2 metres deep.
The works will also involve survey activities, relocation of existing utility services where necessary, reinstatement of affected roads and footpaths, as well as appropriate traffic and safety management measures.
Wee said the new drainage infrastructure was intended to increase the capacity of the drainage network to accommodate higher stormwater discharge and provide a more reliable drainage system for the surrounding area.
He stressed that the proposed project would not mark the end of MBKS’ flood mitigation efforts.
“We cannot control how much rain falls or when a severe thunderstorm occurs, but we can continue to strengthen our drainage infrastructure and improve the city’s ability to respond.
“Wherever there are weaknesses, we will continue to study them and, where necessary, plan for improvements,” he said.
Once the consultant finalises the necessary plans and technical documentation, MBKS will proceed with the tender process for the implementation of the proposed flood mitigation works.
Wee also called for the understanding of the public and business community once construction begins, saying temporary traffic arrangements and some inconvenience might be unavoidable.
He said MBKS would coordinate the necessary measures to minimise disruption to road users and businesses in the surrounding areas.
“Flood mitigation cannot be solved overnight, especially in an established urban area. But that does not mean we stop trying.
“MBKS will continue to do what we can, step by step, area by area, to improve our drainage system and reduce the impact of flooding,” he said.
Wee said the council remained committed to improving the safety and resilience of Kuching South.
“Our responsibility is to keep improving. We want the people to know that MBKS is listening, MBKS is taking action, and MBKS will continue working towards a safer, more resilient and liveable Kuching South,” he said. — DayakDaily
