By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 5: Construction on the Desa Wira detention pond under the Phase 1 Batu Kawa flood mitigation programme has been completed, marking another significant milestone in the Sarawak Government’s long-term plan to reduce flooding in Desa Wira and its surrounding areas.
According to a press release, Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said that the RM14.5 million project, located at Lorong Desa Wira 7, is designed to temporarily store large volumes of stormwater during periods of intense rainfall when the existing drainage system is unable to discharge water quickly enough.
Covering approximately 1.4 hectares—equivalent to about 40 detached housing lots—the detention pond has a storage capacity of around 40,000 cubic metres of water, or approximately 12,000 water tankers.
Dr Sim thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving the project, as well as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak for its close supervision, the contractor for delivering the project responsibly, and nearby residents for their understanding and cooperation throughout the construction period.
The project included the construction of a 2.5-kilometre reinforced concrete drainage channel, pedestrian walkways, safety railings, upgrading works around the detention pond, and improvements to the existing internal drainage system.
Dr Sim explained that during heavy rainfall, the detention pond temporarily stores excess stormwater before releasing it gradually into the Phase Two Desa Wira flood mitigation project, currently under construction by the Sarawak government at RM36.6 million, before it is pumped into Sungai Maong once water levels subside.
“When the detention pond is not storing stormwater, the area remains a flat open field that the community can use for recreational activities such as football and other outdoor events,” he said, adding that the authorities are exploring ways to further maximise the site’s recreational value during dry weather.
He added that the Sarawak government has also allocated RM63.88 million for a drainage upgrading project involving two detention ponds on a 7-acre site on vacant land in front of Batu Kawa New Township and near Pine Square Commercial Centre.
Once completed, these projects will strengthen the area’s flood mitigation capacity and improve the overall drainage system in Batu Kawa.
“Solving this long-standing issue requires more than upgrading one or two drains. It demands a comprehensive approach that includes improving both the internal and external drainage systems, as well as constructing detention ponds to provide an effective and sustainable flood mitigation solution,” he said.
Beyond these drainage improvement works, Dr Sim also expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusuf for allocating RM2.4 billion for a flood diversion canal to channel excess water from the Sarawak River to the Salak River during periods of high tide and heavy rainfall, reducing flood risks in Kuching and its surrounding areas.
The project, which is proposed to begin from Batu Kawa and be implemented in phases, will also include the construction of a tidal gate at the river mouth to prevent seawater intrusion during high tide. The overall project is expected to start next year.
Dr Sim reiterated that the Sarawak government will continue working closely with DID Sarawak and relevant agencies to implement long-term flood mitigation measures and ensure Batu Kawa remains a safer, more resilient, and liveable community for present and future generations. — DayakDaily
