LUNDU: The government will embark on two projects costing RM14.96 million, to mitigate flood in the Sematan District, some 25km from here.
According to Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, the projects will involve the building of a waterfront at a cost of RM8 million and rehabilitation of Sematan river estuary project costing RM6.96 million.
“The Sematan waterfront project scope will involve the building of a shoreline structure to prevent coastal erosion, reclamation, building of a square including beautification and landscaping works.
“This project will overcome long-term coastal erosion issue and at the same time, creating a beautiful recreational and tourist attraction area for Sematan town,” Wan Junaidi, who is also Santubong MP, said at the launch of the projects in Sematan yesterday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem officiated at the event.
As for the Sematan river estuary conservation initiative, the project scope will involve deepening of the riverbed to widen the navigation channel and allow safer navigation of passenger and fishing boats. At the same time, these projects will act as a flood mitigation system in the area particularly to protect the nearby Kampung Tanah Hitam.
Wan Junaidi added that a total of RM29.96 million had been approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan for river estuary rehabilitation works across the state, which would also involve five new projects.
As for coastal erosion control, six new projects had been approved at a total cost of RM39 million.
“All these projects will give direct impact to the local communities,” said Wan Junaidi.