KUCHING, March 5: Obstructions at the downstream flow of Sungai Maong is to be looked into as one of the causes of flash floods in Batu Kawa.
Minister for Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said he was made to understand that the construction of a new bridge at Kampung Sungai Maong is ongoing and it could be causing the river obstructions.
This would be investigated jointly by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak.
On another side, he said developers have agreed to perform daily excavation and clearing works surrounding the Batu Kawa main river drainage system to ensure smooth flow of rainwater.
He added, in a statement today, that the temporary bridge structure there would also be removed once the riverbank construction work is completed in a few more weeks.
Dr Sim, who is also Batu Kawa assemblyman, said the comprehensive flood mitigation plan apart from Taman Desa Wira includes seven other zones which are Batu Kawa Lorong 1C and 3, Sungai Moyan, Sungai Surih, Field Force Road, Ketitir Road, RPR area and Kampung Sina Budi Baru.
He noted all this is only possible with the RM120 million allocation for Taman Desa Wira drainage upgrade in 2020 approved by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg which is to be continued under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
For ongoing Taman Desa Wira’s drainage upgrading works, he urged DID Sarawak to speed up and prioritise having more upgrades in more ‘lorongs’.
At the site, the inspection was also DID Sarawak director Datu Chok Moi Soon, MPP secretary Elizabeth Loh, JKR Sarawak Datu Ir Zuraimi, council engineer Mohd Hazwan Othman and Pine Square Development representative Ir Kenny.—DayakDaily
