KUCHING, Oct 6: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak is urging the State Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to undertake the Sungai Maong River restoration project immediately to prevent floods that could potentially endanger tens of thousands of residents during the coming monsoon season.
Its Women Secretary Cherishe Ng in a press statement today said DID should regard the restoration and rejuvenation of the State water passage as a continuing and systematic undertaking that needs to be done periodically, especially for rivers that are prone to floods.
Ng expressed her concern over the possibility of a flood following the Meteorological Department’s warning that Sarawak will be subject to excessive rainfall during the next few months between December this year and February 2022 as the North-East Monsoon wind approaches.
“In the vicinity of Sungai Maong is a densely populated residential area which includes Kampung Sungai Maong, Sky Garden, Stapok housings, Pisang Road west, Nenas Road west and residential houses scattered along both banks of the river.
“These houses are mostly built on low-lying areas and are most susceptible to floods during heavy rain, resulting in property damage and financial losses.
“The most recent incident of a serious flood occurred during the eve of Chinese New Year 2021.
“The floods in Kuching have left much of the housing areas around Sungai Maong River immersed in floodwater, causing damages and losses,” she said.
Ng noted that the flood was one of the worst ever in Kuching, affecting 3,043 victims and 760 families.
At the same time, Ng called on the State government to ensure the drainage systems in the city are always functioning through regular maintenance to prevent problems of clogging and sedimentation. — DayakDaily
