Ministry must be held accountable for flash-flood issues — Chong
Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government must be held accountable over the rising frequency and severity of flash floods occurring in the city.
The Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman acknowledged that the drainage should naturally be improved through infrastructural development and yet, it seemed like the flash-flood problem in Kuching had been getting worse.
“This reflects poor planning and execution from the minister and his ministry,” he said in a statement yesterday, issued in connection with his visit to Mile 7 Bazaar, where some shopkeepers were affected by the flash floods.
“I can feel their deep frustration and exasperation, having experienced two flash floods that struck their shops in this first month of the Lunar year.
“The first was on Feb 16 – floodwater rising into their shops, causing them losses,” said Chong.
The DAP Sarawak leader called upon Deputy Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is in charge of the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry, to give a full and detailed public report on the cause of the flash floods hitting Mile 7 Bazaar, Arang Road, Desa Wira Batu Kawah, Hua Joo Park and other areas in Kuching.
Chong said the city councils and the government should give a full account to the victims of these flash floods, which have been occurring more frequently since the completion of the Mile 7 flyover and the start of works on the neighbouring housing project across Penrissen Road.
Chong also called upon the ministry to pay compensations to the victims and businesses adversely affected by the flash floods.