BINTULU, Oct 23: Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has urged the relevant authorities to expedite the design plan for the main drainage system at Jalan Sibiyu which must be upgraded and widened to prevent flash floods in the surrounding areas.
This and several other issues were raised during a meeting with the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and the Land and Survey Department (LSD) yesterday morning after continuous rain previous night caused flash floods in Desa Damai, Kampung Kemunting, Jalan Kampung Baru and many other areas.
“The drainage network in Desa Damai residential area was previously designed to receive waters running from other residential areas as well. With the sudden heavy downpour, it cannot cope with the flow of water and the excess surface water would run into houses.
“Even though the drainage system has been improved gradually, I have urged for a complete upgrading as soon as possible,” he said in a statement yesterday following a visit to the places affected by the floods.
Noting the slow water run-off or obstructions due to ongoing drainage system upgrading works nearby, he also urged contractors to ensure that construction works will not affect the flow of water in drains throughout the project’s implementation.
“There are some in which the land structure is insufficient to support the drainage system and could cause serious landslide problems. The BDA must take corrective actions to deal with the negligence and errors committed in past development that has affected the drainage system,” he said.
As for Kampung Kemunting which is located near the river and is a low-lying area, Tiong said BDA is currently planning a resettlement scheme as the area is no longer suitable for occupation due to safety issues.
“I have urged the BDA to expedite the construction of 3,000 units of houses in Bintulu for the Rent to Own (RTO) Scheme to deal with residents of illegal wooden houses or squatters in both sides of Sg Sibiyu,” he added.
The LSD is also urged to complete an in-depth study to identify the Native Customary Right (NCR) Land and ‘Temuda’ land, as it is known that the land has been illegally occupied and the locals have often complained about the matter.
“It is only with resettlement that land dispute issues can be avoided. As such, the LSD needs to compile all the relevant data and funds needed to urgently come up with a resettlement plan so that relevant parties can carry out comprehensive works and upgrade Sg Sibiyu,” he said. — DayakDaily
