By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 20: Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin has called on the federal government to fast-track the RM150 million remedial project for the Sungai Sarawak barrage, saying the long-awaited works should no longer be delayed by administrative processes.
Lee made the call during a working visit to the Sungai Sarawak barrage yesterday (Aug 19), where he was briefed by the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) on the status of the proposed remedial works to address riverbed scouring at the barrage, as well as several ongoing and proposed projects involving the facility.
“The proposed remedial works have been pending for quite some time. The federal government has already announced and committed RM150 million for this project, and we hope the relevant federal agencies can expedite its implementation so that the works can proceed without further delay.
“This is an important project for the continued safe and reliable operation of the Sungai Sarawak barrage. We hope the necessary processes can be expedited and the project implemented as soon as possible,” he said in a media statement today.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM150 million federal allocation for the scouring remedial works on March 13 this year.
It was subsequently agreed that the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) would take over as the implementing agency, with the allocation to be channelled through DID Malaysia.
The latest proposal for the remedial works has since been submitted by DID Sarawak to DID Malaysia for consideration and approval.
Lee emphasised the Sungai Sarawak barrage plays a vital role in flood mitigation and water management in Kuching and its surrounding areas, stressing that its continued safe and reliable operation must remain a priority.
The Sungai Sarawak barrage began operations on Dec 1, 1997, as part of the Sungai Sarawak Regulation Scheme (SSRS), a major flood mitigation and water management initiative for Kuching and its surrounding areas.
The barrage comprises five radial gates, a navigation shiplock and a four-lane bridge. — DayakDaily
