SPAOH, March 25: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has approved RM29.6 million to clear clogged rivers in Sarawak to reduce rural flooding.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the aim was to implement the project as soon as possible and in as many rivers as possible.
“It may not be possible for us to include all the rivers, but we hope to do what we can before the next monsoon season sets in,” he said in a statement after visiting several major projects to check on their progress here today.
On recent flash flood occurrences in Kuching and other towns in the region, Uggah, Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said he had discussed the matter with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
The occurrence of flash floods, he explained, was due to blocked drainage systems.
He pointed out that among the suggestions to resolve or minimise floods from the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Sarawak also includes clearing some of the drains.
“We are still sorting this out as some of the drains are under the jurisdiction of the DID, some under the JKR and other authorities.
“The government hopes to find especially a long-term solution, besides the short-term ones,” he said.
Uggah added that when he was the federal minister of environment, he had managed to implement only one package of flood mitigation programmes in Kuching.
“Since this has not been continued, the impact is not there yet. We are still waiting for it to implement the rest.
“This flash flood problem is not new, but we are taking a different approach to this very complicated issue,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
