A DAP team member is briefed by a resident on the condition of back alley.
KUCHING (Feb 6): It is unacceptable for problems like flooding and inefficient rubbish collection to be happening in urban areas of Sarawak, said Democratic Action Party (DAP) man Michael Kong Feng Nian.
Kong, who is special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said all local councils must improve their services, and basic infrastructures to avoid such issues from recurring.
According to him, he recently was made aware of the issue during a visit to Taman Batu 9 1/2, where a resident who has been staying there for over 20 years told him about flooding that happens each time it rains continuously for one hour.
He said based on his conversations with the resident known as Mdm Goh, the main cause is the rainwater that does not flow freely due to the bad condition of the drains.
“I have seen it and can confirm that the drains at the back lane of the housing area are mostly damaged, and some are non-existent.
“During my visit, I also took note of the condition in the back alley that is filthy and filled with overgrown plants. During the initial years after moving in, she (Goh) used to see contractors from the local council coming to the residential area to clean up the drains and tidy up the back lanes.
“However, for the past 10 years or so, the contractors are seldom seen, and the back lanes have fallen into a state of disrepair,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Another issue faced by the residents in the area is the inefficient rubbish collection system, he added.
He said there are no fixed rubbish collection days and because of this, she has had to dispose her rubbish elsewhere at times to avoid stray dogs digging through the rubbish if it is left unattended for days.
“The mental stress and anguish that the residents go through on a regular basis must come to a stop.
“Complaints have been lodged accordingly and I will also be writing in to Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) officially to highlight the seriousness of the issue,” Kong said.