Be proactive in handling possible flooding, DAP rep tells local authorities
SIBU: Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang wants the local authorities in the state to gear up for potential floods in view of the predicted King Tide next month.
In a press statement yesterday, she praised the State Disaster Management Committee for already making necessary preparations to give support in case flooding occurs.
However, Chang felt the local authorities should be equally prepared with proactive measures rather than only stepping in to help in the aftermath.
“I am worried about Bukit Assek which is well known for its lowlying areas, and which has never escaped floods during rainy seasons.
“Even during the last few days when there were occasional heavy rainfall, certain areas like Lorong Merlin, Jalan Geronggang, Jalan Hua Kiew, Lorong Belian, Jalan Tiong Hua and Tiong Hua Market experienced flash flooding.
“What more to say when it has been reported that this expected tide could be one of the highest recorded here for this year.”
Chang called on Sibu Municipal Council and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation to take proactive measures by ensuring that all drains serving the constituency are properly irrigated and de- silted, and also cleared of rubbish.
“It is sad after so many complaints to SMC, some areas still have drains which remain clogged up with rubbish and silted with earth and sand.”
She said these clogged drains running through the area together are the main culprits in causing flash floods when it rains, especially during heavy downpour.
The assemblywoman added one of the causes of the cloggedup drains was indiscriminate littering by the public.
“I call on everyone – residents and road users alike – to love our environment and to stop the indiscriminate littering. We might not be able to prevent King Tide as it is an act of nature, but we should take action to minimise its effect by working together with the authorities.”
Separately, she called on the council to step up enforcement in keeping dogs off the streets.
“Since July till now, the vigilance by both authorities and the people has gone down, and we see dogs being allowed to roam free again.
“Though it was a blessing that rabies had not been reported outside Kuching Division, I urge both the local authorities and the people here to maintain vigilance and to keep dogs off the streets.”