Stench from flood mitigation pond irks Likas residents

KOTA KINABALU: A great stink is getting residents in Likas up in arms and many suspect raw sewerage is flowing in through drains in the areas and ending up at the flood mitigation pond nearby.

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) secretary general Datuk Richard Yong said many Likas folks had complained to him about the stench from the flood mitigation pond.

“They wanted to complain to the Likas YB but he was always nowhere to be found,” he said after visiting the Likas mitigation pond on Monday.

He said the foul smell from the pond was obvious at nearby housing areassuch as Taman Likas Jaya.

“I also sympathise with the students and teachers of the SMK Lok Yuk

that is nearby because the stench can be overpowering, especially in thecurrent dry weather conditions,” said Richard who is the SAPP candidatefor the Likas State seat.

He said apart from the stench was the health concerns when the foul

smelling water was eventually discharged into the Likas Bay.

“You don’t need to be a scientist to know that such foul smelling water would contain bacteria and all sorts of toxic substances,” Richard said.

“All this water will eventually flow into the Likas Bay that has become an important recreational spot following the closure of the Tanjung Aru beach area,” he added.

He said authorities such the City Hall and the Drainage and Irrigation Department should immediately take measures to trace the sources of the sewerage and tackle the problem.

“Let’s not wait until the situation worsens and lives are endangered

because a blind eye was turned to this problem,” he added.