Chung Hua No. 2 road upgrade, Mile 2 flood mitigation project set to take off next week

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By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 17: Road upgrading works near SJK Chung Hua No. 2 to help ease traffic congestion and a flood mitigation project at Mile 2 to address recurring flash floods are among two initiatives expected to be launched next week to tackle long-standing issues faced by residents.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the road upgrading project near SJK Chung Hua No. 2 would be handed over to the contractor on Monday (Oct 19), with Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian expected to witness the handover.

He said the project marked a significant step towards addressing traffic-related concerns in the area, although construction would inevitably cause some temporary inconvenience to motorists, parents and the school community.

“We would know by Monday how long the project will take until completion, as well as the traffic management arrangements, including whether there will be diversions and other related matters,” he shared during his ShallWeeTalk live session today.

He called on the public to cooperate and remain patient throughout the construction period, describing the inconvenience as a short-term sacrifice necessary for development.

Wee also expressed hope that the appointed contractor would carry out the works efficiently and complete the project successfully.

On flood mitigation, he said a project to address recurring flash floods around Mile 2, particularly the Iris Garden residential area along Jalan Tong Wei Tah opposite Chicago 7, was expected to be announced next week.

He said the area was relatively low-lying and had experienced flooding problems for decades, with some residents claiming that the issue had persisted for 20 to 30 years.

“Once a project has been officially confirmed, I will announce it. I do not want to raise people’s expectations only for them to be disappointed later,” he said, adding that the project had now been confirmed.

Wee said the proposed drainage channel would connect directly to the main river at Sungai Maong, allowing water to flow out more effectively and helping to alleviate flooding in the affected area.

He expressed hope that the upcoming announcement would bring encouraging news to residents who had long been waiting for a solution.

Separately, Wee said MBKS was also looking into drainage problems along parts of Foochow Road, where the council had written to private landowners to seek permission to temporarily use portions of their land as a passageway for water to drain away.

He stressed that the council had to respect the rights and wishes of private landowners and could not compel them to agree to the arrangement.

Nevertheless, he hoped the landowners would give their consent to help address the problem, adding that MBKS was already working on the matter.

Wee said the council would continue to address local issues through immediate measures while pursuing longer-term solutions.

He also clarified that major drainage infrastructure, and flood mitigation works generally fell under the responsibility of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), rather than the city council.

While MBKS could undertake drain repairs and maintenance, larger-scale flood mitigation projects were outside its primary scope of responsibility.

“This does not mean we have no role to play. We will bring the problems to the right authorities and departments for them to address, and we will continue to follow up,” he said.

On street lighting, Wee said MBKS had raised concerns with Sarawak Energy, through Sesco, over poorly lit areas.

Although streetlights were installed at standardised intervals, he noted that some locations remained particularly dark.

He hoped Sarawak Energy would take into account differences in terrain and local conditions when assessing street lighting requirements and determining suitable improvements. — DayakDaily

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