Masing (centre) receives a souvenir booklet from an officer of Hiigata River Management. Also seen are (from third left) SRB controller William Jinep and Liwan, Snowdan (fifth right), SRB chairman Murni Suhaili (fourth right) and others.
KUCHING: The constant flooding in Kuching could be reduced, if not completely avoided, if the state government adopts what the Japanese government does for its flood mitigation method in Hiigata City and the surrounding areas.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing said since Kuching had similar terrain as Hiigata City, the construction of a similar diversion channel upstream of Kuching would help to reduce flooding.
“We are here to study how it is done. Every time Kuching is under water, millions of ringgit are lost in terms of flood damages. It has been happening quite frequently now. We must solve the Kuching flood problems once and for all.
“I believe what the Japanese government has done in solving Hiigata City’s flood problem can provide us with an answer,” Masing said via WhatsApp yesterday.
Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, is currently leading a delegation from Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) and other officers from related government agencies to Hiigata, Japan, to study their river management from Feb 20 – 28.
In the entourage are Assistant Minister for River Transportation and Safety Liwan Lagang and Balai Ringin assemblyman Snowdan Lawan.
Hiigata City has a population of 800,000 people, and is located on the flood plain of Shinano River, which has, over the years, been subjected to destruction by floods.
“The cost of destruction runs into millions whenever Shinano River breaks its banks. To reduce the destructive effects, the Japanese government constructed two diversion channels to the sea, upstream of Hiigata City. These two diversion channels divert water to the sea, before it passes through Hiigata City, and thus reduces the effects of flood on the city.
On a related issue, Masing said the proposed Matang diversion channel to the sea before Sarawak River reaches the city was part of the state government’s flood mitigation proposal.
“My ministry is studying it seriously,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masing said Kuching Barrage was still relevant in solving flooding problems as it would prevent sea water from flooding low lying areas in the city especially during king tides.