By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, June 10: The RM50 million Phase 2 of the Miri River Flood Mitigation Project is expected to take 60 months to complete, with priority given to areas most frequently and severely affected by floods, such as Taman Lopeng Baru, Padang Kerbau, and the Riam Bypass vicinity.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the project will bring much-needed relief to residents in several critical flood-prone areas in Miri.
“It is a continuation of the Lutong B River Flood Mitigation Plan and aims to address recurring flood issues in key locations including Taman Tunku, Padang Kerbau, Pujut Tanjong Batu, Jalan Bypass Riam, and Taman Lopeng Baru.
“I have been raising this issue since 2021 and proposed that a comprehensive study be conducted to develop a holistic flood mitigation strategy,” he said during a meeting and press conference at the Miri Division Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) on Monday (June 9).
Covering the Sungai Dalam catchment area of 67 square kilometres, the project is expected to benefit more than 100,000 residents across Miri, including those near Miri Hospital, Eastwood Valley, Kampung Lusut, Taman Milea, the Assar Commercial Centre, and several major residential zones.
Lee emphasised that construction should begin in the worst-affected areas to ensure that residents quickly feel the positive impact of the mitigation works.
“The project is currently undergoing site placement approval, with the tender process expected to be finalised by the end of this year,” he informed.
He also reminded all stakeholders that future development plans in Miri must consider the adequacy of the drainage system to avoid aggravating flood risks.
Among those present at the meeting were Miri Division DID engineer Daniel Chen, community leaders Kapitan Jee Kee Hiong, Kapitan Chong Khee Fah, Kapitan Connie Tang, Councillor William Sim Cheng Tiong, and SUPP Senadin Branch secretary Jeffrey Phang. — DayakDaily
