By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 2: The long-awaited RM350 million flood mitigation project for the Stampin Resettlement Scheme has taken a major step towards implementation with the official kick-off meeting and handing over of the Letter of Award (LoA) to the appointed contractor, TMK Construction & Transport Sdn Bhd.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap attended the kick-off meeting and witnessed the LoA being handed over by Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi to the contractor. The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Yap said the occasion marked an important milestone in the government’s efforts to address longstanding flooding problems affecting residents in the Stampin Resettlement Scheme.
“Today marks an important transition from planning to implementation. The residents of the Stampin Resettlement Scheme have waited a long time for a comprehensive solution to the flooding problem, and I am pleased to see this project now moving forward with the formal appointment of the contractor,” he said in a statement today.
The project forms part of the Sarawak government’s broader efforts to tackle recurring flooding in the Stampin area and will be implemented in phases.
Phase One will focus on significantly improving the area’s drainage capacity, including upgrading roadside drains along Jalan Stampin Baru, upgrading culverts, and clearing, widening and deepening existing drainage outlets leading towards Sungai Stampin, Sungai Stutong and Sungai Kuap.
The construction component for Phase One is valued at RM87.96 million.
Yap said the project was ultimately about protecting residents, their homes and livelihoods, rather than simply upgrading drainage infrastructure.
“This is about protecting homes, livelihoods and the well-being of our people. For residents who have experienced repeated flooding, effective flood mitigation means more than better drainage. It means greater security, confidence and peace of mind,” he said.
The comprehensive flood mitigation plan also includes reinforced-concrete drains and culverts, drainage channels, detention ponds and other measures aimed at improving stormwater management and reducing flood risks.
According to the project plan, about 1,053 households, involving some 9,026 people, are expected to benefit from the flood mitigation measures.
Yap expressed his appreciation to Dr Sim, DID Sarawak, the project consultants, relevant government agencies, community leaders and residents for their continued cooperation in bringing the project to the implementation stage.
He also urged the appointed contractor to maintain high standards of quality, safety and workmanship while ensuring the project progresses according to schedule and minimising disruption to residents and road users.
“I will continue to monitor the implementation closely. What matters now is delivery. The people have waited long enough, and we must ensure that the project is implemented properly, according to specifications and delivers the intended results,” he said.
Yap reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with DID Sarawak, other government agencies, the contractor and local community leaders throughout the implementation.
“We have reached the stage where plans must become physical works. The commitment now is simple; get the work done, get it done properly, and get it done for the people,” he said.
He added that successful implementation of the project would be an important step towards building a more resilient and flood-ready Stampin community. — DayakDaily
