MCC, DID to expedite RM25 mln flood mitigation projects
MIRI: Miri City Council ( MCC) and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation ( DID) will speed up the implementation of the RM25 million projects to solve the problem of flash flood and poor drainage.
Mayor Adam Yii said two prime locations identified for the implementation of the long-term solutions are Eco Park and Taman Tunku costing RM15 million and RM10 million respectively.
Yii told reporters this after chairing an emergency meeting to discuss flash flood problems at several locations across Miri following heavy downpour that occurred from mid afternoon till late night on Tuesday.
“The meeting noted that there was no serious flooding at EcoPark and Taman Tunku last night ( Tuesday). This is probably because the temporary mitigation measures put in place were effective in handling such situation at the moment.
“However, MCC and DID will be moving expeditiously to implement the more permanent solutions already planned,” he said.
According to Yii, apart from taking immediate action to implement the projects to solve flood problems in the two areas, the meeting also decided on five matters that will be given priority.
“First, we ( MCC) will compile a database on all the flash floodprone locations in Miri. Secondly, site inspection will be done at these identified locations to determine the exact causes for the flash floods.
“Thirdly, remedial actions will be taken immediately, especially on the drains at various locations which will to be cleared and flushed to ensure smoother flow of water.
“Fourthly, there will also be forward planning, like drainage upgrading. These will be done if immediate remedial actions taken are not sufficient to solve the problems.
“Lastly, official reports will be compiled and forwarded immediately to relevant agencies like the Public Works Department (JKR) and DID if actions are needed to be taken by these departments to solve the flood problems,” he said.
The meeting also noted that MCC Serve Team and staff had been active on the ground and took immediate actions to resolve many issues arising from the continuous heavy downpour throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Also at the meeting were Cr Abdullah Jaini, Cr Karambir Singh, Cr Keith Chin, Cr Chan Chai Ping, Cr Dominic Nyurang Ajeng and Cr Mathew Benson as well as MCC senior executive engineer Che’ Abu Bakar Che’ Said and executive engineer Rashidah Nawawi.