KUCHING, Dec 22: N52 Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing is urging the Sibu Public Works Department (JKR) to form a flood mitigation plan to tackle flood-prone “red zones” in Dudong constituency as soon as possible.
Following a meeting with Sibu JKR today to solve the flood situation in Dudong, Tiong said the department will need to expedite a plan to upgrade and maintain the entire drainage in Dudong along with the cost of doing so to solve the flood problems there.
Tiong said together with JKR, they will get the funds to upgrade and maintain drainage in Dudong from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
As for yearly cleaning, he also urged JKR to apply for more funding to increase the frequency of maintenance works to at least once every two months to prevent floods.
“I have also repeatedly warned that many sections of the riverbed have high silt levels, preventing the rainwater from flowing smoothly along the Rajang to Sarikei and Tanjung Manis.
“This is why riverbed dredging works are crucial.
“In today’s meeting, I have even pointed out the most affected locations and the flood situation that I have been informed of during my visits to the longhouses,” he said in a press statement.
He noted that roads, rivers, and drains in Dudong lacked the necessary upgrades and maintenance while the substructures of many road sections have been eroded by rainwater, causing sinkholes.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, urged JKR to look into upgrading the original mud ditches to concrete-based ditches for better flood control.
He said regular cleaning and maintenance schedules must also be strictly adhered to.
Apart from that, Tiong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, pointed out that the relevant departments must also clarify which unit is responsible for each area.
He noted that five main road sections which faced the issue of rising water levels for years are Jalan Kong Yit Khim, Jalan Pulau Dudong, Jalan Sg Assan, Jalan Kanowit Penyulau and Jalan Salim New Airport.
Due to inadequate upgrades being implemented on time, he asserted that the road sections had gradually lot its flood discharge capacity.
During the rainy season, he noted that many pavements will be covered whereas in severe floods situation, the water could reach knee-high.
He said the relevant units must immediately consolidate the required information and date to have another discussion in January to solve the flood problems in Dudong. — DayakDaily
