MIRI: Building a bigger detention pond and better drains to discharge rainwater into the sea is likely to end the nightmare of residents of Eco Park 2 at Jalan Sze Chuan in the long term.
Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin told this to reporters after accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on a site visit to the flood-prone area yesterday.
He said Abang Jo had agreed to the long-term solution.
“In fact, prior to this visit, Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) had already tendered proposals on the suggested method.
“By taking the long-term solution, it will require RM15 million, which includes acquiring two pieces of land measuring more than three acres. The estimated compensation on these two pieces of land is more than RM6 million,” he said.
He said a bigger detention pond would be built on the acquired land.
However, executing the plan would take some time, he added, especially in acquiring the land, because it involves a lot of legal procedures between the government and the land owner.
“As for now, restoring the existing retention pond will temporarily help to mitigate the flood,” said Lee.
Meanwhile, mayor Adam Yii revealed that no new development will take place at the area near Eco Park 2.
“We had ordered the contractors and developers at the nearby area to halt their construction activity until further notice,” he said, adding that Miri City Council and DID were working together to reduce the flash flood problem.
Flash floods had been occurring at Eco Park 2 several times since 2014, causing a lot of problems to the residents.
Abang Johari (second left) being briefed by a DID officer. Looking on are Lee (second right) and BN candidate for Miri Datuk Sebastian Ting (left) during their visit to Eco Park 2 yesterday.