By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Oct 21: Recurring flash floods affecting businesses, residents and road users in Padungan are the focus of a RM1.45 million drainage upgrading project launched by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
The project aims to improve drainage capacity along Jalan Padungan, Jalan Chan Chin Ann and surrounding areas, where heavy rainfall can cause flash flooding, disrupting business operations, affecting accessibility and raising safety concerns.
MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng handed over the project site to contractor Liscorp Services, which carries a contract sum of RM1.45 million, and construction is expected to continue until June 2027.
“The upgrading works were intended to address areas where existing drains were unable to accommodate large volumes of stormwater during heavy rainfall.
“At the heart of the project is the construction of approximately 200 metres of additional reinforced concrete box drains, measuring 1.2 metres wide and 1.2 metres deep. This is to improve the flow of stormwater through the existing drainage network,” Wee said at a press conference after the handover ceremony.
The council also acknowledged that flooding could have consequences beyond temporary water accumulation, particularly for commercial operators whose daily activities and income could be affected when access to their premises is disrupted.
For residents and road users, Wee said flooding could create inconvenience, restrict movement and increase safety risks.
He highlighted the need for more effective drainage infrastructure in the busy commercial district and as such, the project is expected to help reduce the risk and severity of localised flash flooding by allowing stormwater to flow more efficiently.
“However, MBKS would like to caution that the works would not completely eliminate flooding, which can also be influenced by rainfall intensity, tidal conditions, river levels and upstream water discharge.
“Apart from drain construction, the project includes site surveys, relocation of affected utility services, reinstatement of roads and footpaths, traffic management and site safety measures.
“Construction itself could bring temporary disruption to the area, with MBKS warning of possible traffic diversions, access restrictions, noise and dust along the busy Jalan Padungan and Jalan Chan Chin Ann corridors,” Wee said.
He added that the council would work with Liscorp Services and relevant agencies to minimise these inconveniences through appropriate traffic management and safety measures.
The public would also be informed of construction activities and necessary traffic arrangements.
While the drainage upgrade represents a practical step towards mitigating flash floods, Wee stressed that effective flood management would require continued investment and long-term infrastructure planning as Kuching South develops and its population grows.
“The success of the project should ultimately be measured by whether the improvements made a meaningful difference to people living, working and conducting business in the affected areas.
“The council’s initiative reflected its commitment to improving urban infrastructure, protecting livelihoods, reducing disruption and making Kuching South a safer and more resilient place to live and work,” Wee said. – DayakDaily
