Ministry urged to seriously look in flood woes at Tabuan Ulu

KUCHING: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing is urged to seriously address the issue of frequent flash floods at Tabuan Ulu area here.

According to Pending assemblywoman, Violet Yong, residents of Lorong Foochow 1T, 1V, 1V1, 1Y and 1Z in Tabuan Ulu have been experiencing flash floods for the past 40 years.

She said instead of taking action to solve the issue, the ministry had been sitting on it, and waiting for funds from the federal government to solve the problem

“I have raised this issue several times during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, and just recently I received a written reply from the ministry, which says “based on technical advice, upgrading of earth drain and raising the road level in Lorong Foochow areas will not be effective in mitigating the floods because the area is naturally lowlying, and tidal flooding the dominating factor.

“The only effective solution is to construct a barrage near the mouth of Sungai Tabuan at an estimated cost of RM380 million, and therefore, federal funding is required to provide effective solution to flooding in the Tabuan Ulu area.”

Yong, during a press conference at DAP Sarawak headquarters here yesterday, said the proposal to construct a barrage came from the Drainage and Irrigation Department ( DID), which is under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing.

She suggested that the Sarawak government take up the project (construct the barrage) instead.

“The Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led Sarawak government has been saying that Sarawak has sufficient reserves to develop the state, and I think this is one of projects they should look into.

“If there is any development project that can help to alleviate the standard of living of Sarawakians, please do it seriously,” she added.