By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 8: Seventy-year-old retired civil servant Bong Muk Shin, residing at Lorong 1, Jalan Arang, feels a sense of ombrophobia — a fear of rain — whenever the sky darkens.
Bong lamented that these days, he becomes anxious at the slightest hint of rain, fearing the consequences.
“I can’t help but worry when it rains, even if it’s just a single drop. I dread to imagine what will happen next as the stormwater inundates the road leading to my house,” he expressed.
Bong recounted that he had never faced such challenges since he moved into the house he purchased in 1986 until 2021 when the situation worsened considerably.
“I led a normal retiree life with my family until 2021, when unexpectedly, stormwater not only submerged the road to my house but also seeped inside, causing damage to the furniture and fittings in my sitting, dining, and kitchen areas,” he recalled.
“This has occurred not just once but multiple times since then. Whenever there’s heavy rain in the city, we anticipate the road to our house, and that of my neighbors, being affected by stormwater,” he shared with the Dayak Daily.
Despite seeking assistance from authorities, representatives, and political parties to address the drainage issues, Bong expressed disappointment that nothing has been done thus far.
“It’s disheartening that despite assurances and media coverage, the situation remains unresolved. We’ve provided evidence of the damage caused by stormwater, yet we’re still left to deal with the aftermath. My family and I feel helpless, wondering if there are others facing similar challenges,” he sighed.
Bong firmly believes that solutions exist to mitigate stormwater overflow, urging the government to take action.
“I’ve lived in Jalan Arang for 38 years and witnessed the area’s development, except for the drainage system, which remains inadequate. Proper drainage is essential for residents’ well-being in a city,” he emphasized.
Bong, a former educator and Director of Special Education in Putrajaya before retiring, expressed disbelief at the government’s inaction.
“I’ve dedicated my career to educating our citizens, and now I question why the government can’t address the suffering of people like us. They owe it to us to resolve these immediate issues,” he asserted.
Observing his neighbors’ struggles, mainly car mechanics, to mitigate rainwater overflow, Bong highlighted their makeshift solutions and the challenges they face.
“Despite their efforts, the road remains flooded during heavy rains, affecting accessibility,” he noted.
Bong also pointed out a metal plate placed in the main drain near the junction of Jalan Arang, intended to prevent excess rainwater from spilling onto the main road.
“While this may divert excess water, it obstructs drainage from our smaller channels, posing further challenges,” he explained.
Anticipating future challenges with the development of high-rise buildings, Bong expressed concern over potential exacerbation of stormwater issues.
“While I’m no expert, I fear more catastrophic damage to our homes,” he admitted.
“As an educator, I’ve instilled values of responsibility and integrity in my students. I question the government’s integrity when they fail to assist their citizens in need,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
