Dr Sim (fourth right) and several DID personnel showing a document in regards to the Dewa Wira drainage system project.

KUCHING (Aug 21): The entire RM20-million drainage system project at Desa Wira in Batu Kawa here is expected to be completed within 20 months, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister and Batu Kawah assemblyman, acknowledged that construction of the project would be facing the challenges of climate change and rapid development in Batu Kawa but he remained committed to addressing the flood issues affecting various areas through multiple channels.

Recently, he conducted an inspection of the ongoing project in the Desa Wira area, where he was given a briefing by officers of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

During the visit, he announced the construction of the third retention pond in Batu Kawa, specifically in the Desa Wira area, to combat the recurring flash floods.

He stressed that the DID had initiated the process for the Desa Wira retention pond project through an open tender.

The tender advertisement was published in July this year, followed by a site inspection, and the tendering process will be completed in August this year, he pointed out.

“To effectively address the flooding issues in Desa Wira a comprehensive plan is required. This involves upgrading internal drains, expanding the external drainage systems, and constructing retention ponds to mitigate the problem,” Dr Sim said.

Currently, three drainage system upgrade projects are underway in Desa Wira, including the upgrades of drains at Lorong 17B1/B2, Lorong 17B3/B4 and Lorong 17A6, a total cost of over RM3.54 million, RM3.27 million, and RM4.37 million, respectively.

These projects cover a total drain length of 3,843.6 metres and are expected to be completed by February 2025.

Dr Sim also said the Sarawak government had approved the construction of the first retention pond on the vacant land in front of MJC New Township, at a cost of RM19.88 million.

This project commenced on May 24 this year and is expected to be completed by May 23, 2026.

Additionally, the second retention pond will be constructed in the Pine Square commercial area, at a cost of RM22.50 million, and is slated for completion by Nov 23, 2026.

“With the increasing amount of rainfall and surrounding land developments, the government will continuously explore and implement measures to alleviate or reduce the occurrence of flash floods,” he said.