RM750,000 flood mitigation project to clear 16.2km river in Mambong

Dr Jerip (third right) with DID, GKCDA officers and Community leaders pose for a photo session during a site visit.

By Jacob Achoi

KUCHING, Nov 12: Seven villages in the Mambong constituency are set to benefit from a RM750,000 river clearing, flood mitigation project aimed at reducing flash flood risks, particularly during the monsoon season.

The project, funded under the Great Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), will cover approximately 16.2 kilometres of river stretching across Kampung Simbuh, Kampung Sikog, Kampung Rabak Asah, Kampung Bratan, Kampung Bawang, Kampung Nyiru Grait and Kampung Git.

Deputy Minister of Transport (Aviation and Roads) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the project would involve deepening shallow sections of the river, clearing overgrown vegetation, and removing other debris to improve water flow.

“This river clearing project is a flood mitigation project, which will include deepening certain shallow areas, clearing of woods and bamboos and other debris to minimise flash flood.

“The project undertaken by Department of Drainage and Irrigation will complete in June next year,” Dr Jerip told reporters during a site visit today in conjunction with the handing over of project to the contractor.

He noted that the river had become increasingly shallow due to development activities, which had contributed to soil erosion.

He also provided updates on other GKCDA-funded infrastructure projects in the constituency, including ongoing road works worth RM20 million in Kampung Sapit and RM10 million in Kampung Kiding, both in Upper Padawan.

Additionally, GKCDA has approved RM4.5 million for Phase II of a street lighting project covering the stretch from Kampung Garung to Kampung Anah Rais.

This follows the completion of Phase I, which covered the stretch from the Police Training School (Pulapol) to Kampung Garung.

Meanwhile, Penghulu Dolik Sembong lauded the development in the constituency. He said he had witnessed significant development in the constituency, particularly in agriculture, village roads and community halls. – DayakDaily