By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 24: The Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) has signed an agreement with a Danish architecture, engineering and consultancy company, Ramboll, to carry out a study on flood risk assessment for the Sibu Cloudburst Masterplan.
The signing ceremony was held in Ramboll Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and was witnessed by Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is leading a delegation from the Sarawak government on a working trip to the Netherlands.
“Ramboll has been appointed by the Sarawak government through LCDA to carry out the study for Sibu Cloudburst Masterplan (Stage 1:Flood Risk Assessment).
“Stage one of the cloudburst masterplan study relates to the existing data analysis, flood risk modelling, mapping, and assessment for the proposed site study area of Sibu in Sarawak, particularly Bukit Assek and its surrounding areas covering about 250 sq km,” he said in a post shared on his social media today.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, added that the study would be completed in 18 weeks, with the study to be undertaken for all phases estimated to cost RM10 million.
The Dutch’s expertise is sought after by many countries as the Netherlands has, for centuries, dealt with flooding and high waters by developing innovative water management techniques and technologies.
“A substantial part of the Netherlands is peat, which is the same issues and challenges faced in Sibu — to keep the feet dry, subsidence (sinking) and keep buildings standing,” he said.
He explained that Gouda city in western Netherlands, which dates back to 1450, lived with water for over 1,000 years before adopting development similar to the size of Bukit Assek Urban Renewal (about 500 acres) that has changed its landscape.
“We are learning what to do (right) and also what not to do (tend to miss out) as outcome matters. With climate change, we need to change our thinking,” he added. — DayakDaily
