RM1 million allocated for the Simboh River cleanup project

Deputy Minister of Transport of Sarawak (Udara and Roads), Dr. Jerip Susil said that the shrinking and narrowing of Simboh River due to landslides and accumulation of logs and bamboo has affected the flow capacity.

He said the situation was also linked to development activities in the surrounding area, including construction of government institutions as well as development by locals.

"When the rainy season comes, these villages are often flooded by the narrowing of rivers. Therefore, these clean-up works are essential to ensure smooth flow of river water", he said.

He said this when meeting with the media at the GKCDA Sanitation of Simboh River Project Site Conclusion Meeting here, today.

The eight villages expected to benefit from the project are Kampung Simboh, Kampung Sikog, Kampung Mambong, Kampung Bawang, Kampung Punau, Kampung Bratan, Kampung Git and Kampung Mambong Seratau.

Jerip, who is also the chairman of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Mambong said that the project was estimated to cost over RM700,000 with an eight-month implementation period.

He said the remaining RM1 million allocation will be used to finance other development projects in future.

"We hope that by cleaning the river, flood problems often faced by people during rainy season can be reduced, thus benefiting villages as well as government institutions in surrounding areas", he said.

In related developments, he said several GKCDA development projects in Mambong area have been completed, including construction of agricultural road in Kampung Simboh and parit work in Kampung Rebak Simboh.

Other projects that are also being completed include the construction of a multi-purpose hall and river cleaning work in Kampung Jambu, while the installation of street lights from PULAPOL to Kampung Garung now provides facilities for road users.

He said that the second phase of the street light project also received an allocation of RM5 million to continue installation from Kampung Garung to Anarais.

He also said that he would submit a report to the Department of Public Works (JKR) regarding street lights not working or damaged, as the facility is still in warranty period.

Meanwhile, two road upgrade projects in Kampung Sapit and Kampung Kiding worth RM20 million and RM10 million respectively are being implemented after the contractor is appointed.

Jerip said the development of road infrastructure in the mountainous area is expected to benefit residents, especially in increasing access to agricultural and tourism activities, including in Kampung Sapit known as 'village on cloud' destination. -TVS