By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 11: Efforts to combat flooding in Batu Kawa have been significantly intensified, with four major flood mitigation projects, including a three-kilometre-long embankment, worth over RM200 million underway or completed to protect thousands of residents from recurring floods.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said Batu Kawa has long been prone to flooding, but the situation is expected to improve substantially once all projects are fully implemented.
He explained that while some of the four projects have been completed, others remain in progress.
“In Desa Wira, for example, the first phase, valued at around RM20 million, has been completed. The final phase, costing approximately RM36 million, is now underway,” he said during a visit to the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Dewan Stapok today.
The projects directly benefit about 4,000 residents and include the construction of drainage systems as well as temporary retention ponds to hold excess rainwater.
“Four dry retention ponds, covering roughly 16 acres, have and are been built in Batu Kawa. During heavy rainfall, these ponds store excess water before releasing it in a controlled manner,” he added.
Three water pumps have also been installed to drain the retention ponds efficiently.
For the final phase, a three-kilometre-long embankment is being constructed to protect low-lying villages near the river.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, noted that modern flood management requires more comprehensive planning due to higher rainfall volumes.
“Previously, drains alone were enough, but now rivers cannot handle the water flow without retention ponds,” he said.
He also thanked Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for supporting the financing, and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof for his federal-level role.
He highlighted the RM2.4 billion federal project to build a Sarawak River diversion channel, which will redirect about 60 per cent of the river’s flow.
“Once completed, this will reduce flood risks along the Sarawak River and benefit surrounding areas, including Batu Kawa,” he said.
Dr Sim expressed optimism that, upon completion of all ongoing mitigation works, Batu Kawa’s longstanding flooding challenges will be fully resolved. — DayakDaily
