MIRI: The Miri City Council (MCC) on Wednesday conducted site inspections at several areas which are experiencing drainage problems.
Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai said all drainage problems must be handled carefully with proper planning and studies.
“Some drainage issues are not easy to handle, especially if it involves private land where compensation to the owner adds to the cost of building new drains,” said Lai during the inspection together with resident committee members and government officials.
At Promptvite Villa, a more comprehensive network of drains is planned across an empty piece of land separating it from Interhill Garden.
“We have to check with the Land and Survey Department on the land’s status, before we can proceed to expand the drainage system,” said Lai.
At Ocean Park, common complaints were of smelly rubbish, soil and vegetation blocking the flow of water in drains, especially during the current dry season.
The team also inspected a busy and narrow junction leading to Miri Airport at Taman Delight, which has a small drain clogged with grass and bushes that also blocked the view of motorists.
“We must remove roadside bushes blocking the view of road users and creating safety risk,” said Lai.
“Some drains may not be under our care, so we may have to liaise with PWD (Public Works Department), DID (Drainage and Irrigation Department) or other authorities,” he said.