Integrated works to address flooding issues in two Samarahan neighbourhoods

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Datu Dr Penguang Manggil

THE flooding issues affecting Kampung Bukit Berangan and Taman Samarindah in Kota Samarahan would be addressed under the Sarawak River Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) and also the proposed flood mitigation and drainage master plan study on Samarahan River Basin, said Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil.

He said frequent flooding hitting both neighbourhoods could be attributed to the increased discharge due to dense housing development in the surrounding areas, and also the limited capacity of existing outlets – namely, the natural streams.

“In order to address these (problems), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) has included the proposed flood works on the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway and proposed flood mitigation works on SK Muara Tuang Samarahan under PLSB, costing approximately RM191 million and are expected to reach completion by 2025,” the Marudi assemblyman said in a response to a question from Datuk Amar Mohammad Ali Mahmud (GPS-Stakan) during the sitting yesterday.

Penguang also said the flood mitigation and drainage master plan study on Samarahan River Basin would be conducted by the DID, and should be over by this year-end.

“In the meantime, the DID and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) will continue to carry out river clearing works on the drainage outlets of Sungai Stigang at Kampung Bukit Berangan.

“The DID will continue to carry out the river clearing works from time to time, based on the availability of funds,” he said.

Penguang added that MPKS would continue to run maintenance works on the drainage within this area (Kampung Bukit Berangan), including drain-clearing works conducted on monthly basis.

“The council will also carry out upgrading works on the 17,000m stretch of existing drains and culverts, in phases under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

“The total fund required by the MPKS for the upgrading works is approximately RM20 million,” he added.