By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 4: Efforts to address flash flooding near Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Stutong at Kampung Stutong are continuing with the implementation of the second phase of a drainage system upgrading project, which is expected to be completed by May 2, 2027.
Valued at RM300,000, the project is being implemented under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), following the completion of its first phase, which cost RM200,000.
According to a TVS report, Kota Sentosa incumbent Wilfred Yap said the project, undertaken by the Sarawak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), will take six months to complete, from Nov 2, 2026, to May 2, 2027.
The scope of work includes the construction of new drains and the upgrading of culverts and water crossings.
“This second phase is not the final phase, as we still have third, fourth, and fifth phases to upgrade the entire drainage system in this village,” he told TVS during the project document handover ceremony to the contractor here today.
He said the phased approach also takes into account the needs of local residents, including improvements to community facilities, village roads and nearby school infrastructure.
Apart from the drainage project, RM80,000 has been allocated for upgrading the community hall, with a further RM100,000 approved for its second phase of upgrading. Yap said development plans also include RM100,000 for village road improvements, as well as the construction of a small bridge scheduled for 2027.
“These development works do not focus solely on drainage; we are also considering the needs of the school, community hall, and village roads so that residents’ amenities can be improved comprehensively,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak DID Assistant Engineer Harmandy Mohammed said the technical scope of the second phase includes drain construction and the upgrading of several water crossings identified as potential sources of water overflow that could lead to flash floods in residential areas.
He stressed that cooperation between the implementing agency, contractors and village residents would be crucial to ensuring the smooth progress of construction, while minimising disruption to the surrounding environment and prioritising safety, particularly in the vicinity of the nearby school. – DayakDaily
