By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Oct 30: The Sarawak government has approved RM3 million for drainage improvement works in flood-prone areas of Desa Senadin, Permyjaya, Tudan, and parts of Padang Kerbau following flooding incidents earlier this year.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), caretaker Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the special allocation was secured through an appeal to Premier Sarawak after inspections identified poor maintenance, clogged drains, and sediment build-up as among the factors disrupting water flow in the affected areas.
He said the funds would be channelled through Miri City Council (MBM) to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce the risk of future flooding.
Lee said this after chairing a drainage maintenance meeting for the Senadin area with the Miri Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and MBM, followed by a site visit today.
According to Lee, MBM has identified three major projects with a combined value of RM2.99 million, namely upgrading the monsoon drain along Jalan Desa Senadin for RM1.17 million, with an implementation period of three months; maintaining and deepening earth drains along Jalan Miri-Kuala Baram for RM1.26 million over two months; and maintaining, dredging and clearing drainage systems at several locations around Senadin at a cost of RM562,390 over one month.
The third project covers Lorong Desa Pujut, Lorong Indah, Lorong Murmi, Jalan Dato Permaisuri, Jalan Tudan, Lorong Mulia, Lorong Sejahtera, Lorong Harmoni, Lorong Perdana, Jalan Sena, and Jalan Ilmu.
Lee said the technical designs for the projects had been prepared, and the two major projects would undergo the tender process before implementation, while drainage maintenance works in residential areas could begin soon.
Separately, DID has completed 18 drainage and retention pond maintenance projects worth RM1.17 million to help reduce flood risks.
The works involved maintaining six major retention ponds and clearing 12 main drains across Desa Senadin, Tudan, Permyjaya, Desa Pujut, and other areas.
They included removing water hyacinths, floating debris and sediment to improve water flow.
For longer-term flood mitigation, DID is also planning drainage system improvements in Desa Senadin and Sungai Lutong, as well as along the stretch from Taman Tunku to Padang Kerbau.
However, these larger-scale projects are still subject to utility-related issues and the necessary approvals.
Lee stressed the importance of coordination among DID, MBM, the Public Works Department (JKR), and the Land and Survey Department through the Miri Divisional Drainage Committee to ensure more comprehensive drainage maintenance and flood mitigation measures.
He urged all relevant agencies to continue strengthening drainage infrastructure in flood-prone areas to minimise future flooding. — DayakDaily
