By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 24: The ongoing RM58.5 million flood mitigation projects in Batu Kawa, featuring four dry ponds spanning over 14 acres, are set to significantly reduce the recurring floods affecting 58 hectares in Taman Desa Wira and Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, ultimately benefiting some 4,000 residents.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian informed that Phase 1, with an allocation of RM14.5 million, is currently 19 per cent complete and includes the construction of a dry pond on a 3.9-acre site.
“The pond is designed to store over 40,000 cubic metres of excess rain water—equivalent to about 12,000 water truckloads—and is expected to be completed within 20 months, by July 24, 2026.
“This dry pond, or detention pond, is one of four planned across Batu Kawa, with three already under construction. It plays a crucial role in our flood mitigation master plan, occupying land that could otherwise fit about 40 housing units,” he said in a post shared on his social media.
Dr Sim visited the site on Monday (June 23) to inspect the progress of Phase 1, accompanied by Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak director Dato Ir Ahmad Danny and principal assistant director Ir Jamesy Mijek.
He added that the site’s potential extends beyond flood control, with discussions ongoing between DID and the local authority to incorporate multi-purpose recreational amenities such as football fields and walking tracks, maximising the use of the land during the estimated 335 dry days each year.
In addition to the dry pond, Phase 1 also involves the upgrading of 2.5km of internal drainage infrastructure, including culverts, to enhance overall water flow and resilience.
Meanwhile, Phase 2—estimated at a ceiling cost of RM44 million—will include the construction of a second dry pond, over one kilometre of protective bunds with a 3-metre-wide pedestrian walkway, pumping stations, and local drainage upgrades.
“The consultant design has been completed and is slated for tender this year.
“Funding for flood mitigation is under the Concurrent List between the Federal and Sarawak governments. But since 2016, my personal principle has been clear—regardless of whether funds come from Putrajaya or Sarawak, what matters is delivering results for the people of Batu Kawa,” he addd.
Both phases of the project form part of a larger initiative to tackle long-standing flood problems in Batu Kawa and underscore the Sarawak government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and disaster resilience. — DayakDaily
